Ace Entertainment has commenced production in Yorkshire, England, for “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow,” a film adaptation of Laura Taylor Namey’s New York Times bestselling novel. This heartwarming story will feature Maia Reficco, Kit Connor, and Kate del Castillo.
The original Latinx YA novel, published in 2019, tells the story of Lila Reyes. After her grandmother’s passing, Lila leaves her life at Abuela’s Cuban bakery in Miami and spends the summer cooking at her aunt’s inn in Winchester. There, she discovers the beauty of the British countryside, explores fusion cooking, and develops a connection with a charming British tea shop clerk. Food becomes her way to bridge cultures and heal her heart.
The Cast and Crew
While specific roles of the lead actors haven’t been revealed, Katherine Fairfax Wright, known for her documentary Call Me Kuchu, will make her narrative feature debut as the director. The screenplay is written by Khaila Amazan (Anderson .Paak’s upcoming K-POPS!) and Savion Einstein (Miss Conception). Matt Kaplan will produce the film for ACE Entertainment, which is also financing the project. Max Siemers, Matt Janzen, and Aubrey Bendix will oversee production, while Mark Lane will serve as executive producer on behalf of TeaShop Films.
Meet the Stars
Maia Reficco currently stars in HBO Max’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and will be seen in Netflix’s Do Revenge. She 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 is best known for playing Nick Nelson in Netflix’s Heartstopper. He has also appeared in His Dark Materials and War & Peace, with film credits including Little Joe, Rocketman, Ready Player One, and Mr. Holmes.
Kate del Castillo is recognized for her role as Teresa Mendoza in Telemundo’s La Reina del Sur. She has also appeared in Mr. Mayor, Jane the Virgin, and Weeds, and films such as Bad Boys for Life, All About Nina, The 33, and The Book of Life.
ACE Entertainment’s Track Record
Established in 2017 by Matt Kaplan, ACE Entertainment is known for producing 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, will also be released on Netflix. The company recently finished production on Loveboat, Taipei, based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Abigail Hing Wen. Other projects in development include 10 Blind Dates, Replica, and White Smoke.
What to Expect from “A Cuban’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow”
“A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow” promises to be a heartwarming and culturally rich film. With a talented cast and a captivating storyline, audiences can anticipate a story about love, loss, healing, and the power of food to connect people across cultures. The movie will likely explore themes of identity, family, and finding oneself in unexpected places. The charming British countryside setting, combined with the vibrant Cuban heritage of Lila Reyes, will create a visually appealing and emotionally resonant experience for viewers.
Anticipation Builds
As production gets underway, fans of the novel and newcomers alike eagerly anticipate the release of “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow.” This film adaptation has the potential to become a beloved coming-of-age story that celebrates diversity and the universal language of food and love.
