Ace Entertainment is bringing Laura Taylor Namey’s beloved novel, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, to life! Production is underway in Yorkshire, England, promising a heartwarming adaptation of this New York Times bestseller. Get ready to immerse yourself in a story of love, loss, and cultural fusion, starring Maia Reficco, Kit Connor, and Kate del Castillo.
The film adapts Namey’s 2019 YA novel about Lila Reyes. Grieving the loss of her grandmother, Lila swaps Miami for the English countryside, spending the summer working at her aunt’s inn in Winchester. There, she discovers a passion for fusion cooking, falls in love with the charming British landscape, and finds an unexpected connection with a tea shop clerk. Food becomes her bridge between cultures, helping her heal and find herself.
Details regarding the specific roles for Reficco, Connor, and Del Castillo remain under wraps, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project. Katherine Fairfax Wright, known for her documentary work on Call Me Kuchu, will be making her narrative feature directorial debut. The screenplay comes from Khaila Amazan (known for her work on Anderson .Paak’s upcoming K-POPS!) and Savion Einstein (Miss Conception). Matt Kaplan will produce for ACE Entertainment, which is also financing the film. Max Siemers, Matt Janzen, and Aubrey Bendix will oversee production for ACE, with Mark Lane executive producing for TeaShop Films.
Maia Reficco is currently captivating audiences as Noa Olivar in HBO Max’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. She’s also set to appear in Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s upcoming Netflix comedy, Do Revenge, alongside Maya Hawke and Sophie Turner. Reficco is also known for her role in the Nickelodeon series Kally’s Mashup and recently signed on for Gulfstream Pictures’ motorcycle racing pic One Fast Move.
Kit Connor, celebrated for his role as Nick Nelson in Netflix’s hit British teen series Heartstopper, brings his charm and talent to this adaptation. He has also been featured in such shows as His Dark Materials and War & Peace. Connor’s film credits include Little Joe, Rocketman, Ready Player One, and Mr. Holmes.
Kate del Castillo, renowned for her portrayal of Teresa Mendoza in Telemundo’s La Reina del Sur, adds her star power to the film. Her extensive resume includes roles in Mr. Mayor, Jane the Virgin, and Weeds. On the film side, she’s known for her work in Bad Boys for Life, All About Nina, The 33, and The Book of Life.
ACE Entertainment, founded by Matt Kaplan in 2017, has a proven track record of bringing beloved stories to the screen. They’re the force behind the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise on Netflix, as well as Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between. Their upcoming film, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, is also set to debut on Netflix. Ace Entertainment recently wrapped production on Loveboat, Taipei, based on Abigail Hing Wen’s New York Times bestselling novel. Other projects in development include 10 Blind Dates, based on Ashley Elston’s novel; Replica, based on Lauren Oliver’s bestseller; and White Smoke, a Vatican-based thriller with Nicholas McCarthy attached to write and direct.
With a talented cast, a skilled creative team, and a beloved source material, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow promises to be a heartwarming and unforgettable cinematic experience. Keep an eye out for further updates as production progresses! The adaptation brings a vibrant story about love, family, and cultural exploration to a wider audience.
