LOGLINE: Inspired by real-life events, FLIGHTS OF FANCY is a fish-out-of-water drama with comedic overtones about Lalo Saca, a man who goes on a personal journey in order to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, despite seemingly insurmountable odds and obstacles such as profound loneliness, culture shock, a language barrier, and a failed marriage. Through it all, Lalo remains the steadfast supporter of his family back in El Salvador, putting his younger brother, Tony, through school. That younger brother became Salvadoran President Tony Saca. What makes Lalo’s story particularly cinematic is the fact that at its core, it delivers a universally compelling theme of the human drive to thrive. Thus, in the end, FLIGHTS OF FANCY is a coming-of-age, rags-to-riches, psychological character-driven drama that is the embodiment of the American Dream.
STORY: In 2004, during Elías Antonio (“Tony”) Saca’s presidential campaign in El Salvador, he often spoke publicly about his debt of gratitude toward his older brother, Dr. Ricardo E. (“Lalo”) Saca, who immigrated to the U.S., illegally and simultaneously held down several jobs for many years while putting himself through school and sending much-needed financial support to his family back home.
The Spanish-language print and broadcast media in the U.S., interviewed Lalo extensively about his experiences as an immigrant and his amazing professional success, given the fact that he didn’t speak a word of English when he first arrived in Los Angeles. In fact, Lalo graduated from one of the nation’s top medical schools, only 11 years after arriving in the U.S., which means that he was merely 3 years behind those who were born and raised here.
BUZZ: Given its subject matter and Lalo’s close relation to former President Tony Saca of El Salvador, FLIGHTS OF FANCY benefits from built-in high-profile media attention both in the U.S., as well as throughout Latin America.
Moreover, FLIGHTS OF FANCY is a great follow-up to the recent Fox Searchlight/Weinstein Company Spanish-language smash hit, UNDER THE SAME MOON ($24 million in worldwide box office and expected to double that figure in the ancillary markets), as FLIGHTS OF FANCY is also the kind of film project that appeals to both the art house and the independent markets, as well as to the diverse worldwide Latino audiences. The project is bilingual for authenticity purposes and in keeping with the tastes of its intended niche markets.
WRITER / PRODUCER: Diana Lesmez has years of experience in most areas of the film industry. An accomplished writer and industry executive, she is also the producer of the feature film, CULTURE CLASH IN AMERICCA, directed by Emilio Estevez, as well as the Production Manager of the feature film, LETTING GO OF GOD, based on Julia Sweeney’s award-winning, one-woman stage show. Diana has also been a screenwriting and producing instructor at The Los Angeles Film School.
DIRECTOR: TBD
TALENT: Letters of intent have been signed by: Rey Valentin (GENERATION KILL, NCIS, CROSSING OVER), Lacey Chabert (MEAN GIRLS, PARTY OF FIVE), María Conchita Alonso (VIVA HOLLYWOOD and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES), Paula Garcés (DEFYING GRAVITY and the HAROLD & KUMAR franchise), Eddy Martin (THE MALDONADO MIRACLE), Rene Laván (CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS), Gabriel Porras (UNDER THE SAME MOON), Paola Turbay (CAIN and LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA), Laura Cerón (E.R.), Rubén Rabasa (THE LOST CITY), Dyana Ortelli (LUMINARIAS), Alex Mendoza (PORT CHARLES), and Elizabeth Valdez (LAS LLORONAS). In addition, Adrian Alonso (the young star of the recent hit film, UNDER THE SAME MOON) has also agreed to play young Lalo.
LOCATION: Most of the filming is planned for Puerto Rico, which has significant production resources and similar landscapes to El Salvador, with additional filming in Southern California.
BUDGET & FINANCING: The budget is US $2.85 million. Financing is being raised from equity investors, co-productions, strategic industry partnerships, distribution deals, and via Puerto Rico’s tax incentive program of 40%.
While walking down the red carpet for the Alma Awards, Yvette Yates was interviewed by the press: