East Side Story
“Vibrant romantic comedy.” – LA WEEKLY
This wonderfully well-written, well-acted gay comedy is the feel good movie of the year! Dream-hunk René Alvarado (Fall To Grace) stars as nice family boy, Diego who works in his grandma’s L.A. restaurant and has a handsome but closeted squeeze on the side (David Beron). Drop-dead gorgeous Steve Callahan (Role/Play, Nine Lives) and super-cute Cory Schneider (M.O. of M.I.) co-star in this hilarious gay love triangle.
Called a “feel good movie” by its fans, this appealing debut film of director Carlos Portugal tells the story of Diego (played by the wonderful and charming Rene Alvarado), a young, closeted Latino, who helps his grand-mother (standout Irene DeBarri) run the family restaurant while carrying on a clandestine relationship with equally closeted Pablo (the delightful David Beron).
Diego has long felt trapped by the conservative culture of East LA and plans to move away and open an upscale restaurant, hopefully with his lover. But Pablo views their situation very differently – a point driven home when he begins dating Diego’s spirited Aunt Bianca (hilarious sexpot Gladise Jimenez). At the same time, white gay men like Jonathan and Wesley are moving in, gentrifying the neighborhood. The attraction between Wesley and Diego is immediate and electric, forcing both men to reexamine their state of affairs in this entertaining comedic drama.
A “coming out” story that avoids all the tired cliches and stays committed to telling the stories of these characters, East Side Story examines bias of all kinds and features stirring performances by incredibly attractive actors. This story sweetly appeals to the romantic impulses of us all, gay and straight.
Awards & Press Quotes
* Nominee: 2009 GLAAD Media Awards! *
Audience Award – San Francisco International Latino Film Festival
Audience Award – Long Island Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Festival Favorite – Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film
Festival Plant-A-Seed Winner – Reel Affirmations, Washington D.C.
Best Narrative Feature – North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
“Sexy gay romance.” – VARIETY
“Vibrant romantic comedy.” – LA WEEKLY
***** (5 stars out of 5) – METRO WEEKLY
“A” RATING – WASHINGTON BLADE
“Hilarious and heartfelt!” – PLUME NOIRE
“A delightful, winning romance.” – AROUND PHILLY
“A sweet romantic comedy with both heart and soul!” – PLANETOUT.COM
