Goya Foods, headquartered in Jersey City, N.J., and new Latino film studio Ultraísmo, are partnering to sponsor the feature documentary, “Cine de Oro: The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.”
The largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., Goya is a premier sponsor of Ultraísmo’s first production, which is a celebration of Mexico’s cinematic heritage. The documentary explores the Golden Age of Mexican cinema from 1936–1956 when the country’s film industry flourished.
Mexican Cinema Golden Age
The time period attracted worldwide talents and influenced the stages across the globe while also helping develop the national culture in Mexico and Latin America, according to a recent press release.
“Cine de Oro: The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema” navigates the era of Mexican cinema when the country’s film industry drew global attention and attracted stars from around the world. The time period was crucial and influential to the national culture and identity of Mexico, per the release.
“We are proud to partner with Ultraísmo and be a part of this historic project. This film provides a unique opportunity for audiences to learn and appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of Mexican cinema,” said President and CEO of Goya Foods Bob Unanue.
Latinos and Motion Pictures
Latinos accounted for 29% of movie tickets sold in 2020 but are underrepresented on-screen, according to a 2021 Motion Picture Association study. Latinos accounted for just 5.4% of movie leads and 5.7% of actors in any onscreen role that year. They were also underrepresented as writers, directors and other behind-the-scenes jobs.
“We are thrilled to have Goya as the premier sponsor,” said Albert Sandoval, filmmaker, and founder of Ultraísmo.
Goya and Ultraísmo
Sandoval said that having the support and commitment of Goya aligns with Ultraísmo’s mission “to contribute to the cultural exchanges in entertainment media and connect global audiences to Hispanic culture through high-value entertainment.”
He said the movie is a “testament to the power of storytelling” and weaves history, culture, and artistry to celebrate the human spirit.
“Through this lens, we hope to inspire and transport audiences to a time of beauty, creativity, and passion that continues to resonate today,” Sandoval said.
New Jersey and Filmmaking
Goya’s move into filmmaking comes as New Jersey solidifies its position as one of the epicenters of cinema. From the first film production studio in 1893 and the opening of Universal Studios in Fort Lee in 1912, to now, when Netflix is building a studio in Fort Monmouth, the state’s moviemaking trajectory continues to grow, according to the New Jersey Film Commission.
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” the upcoming sequel to 2019’s film, “Joker,” was recently shot at the old Essex County Isolation Hospital in Belleville. The movie starring Joaquin Phoenix is said to be a musical and will feature pop superstar Lady Gaga.
The film and television industry created 5,500 jobs in N.J. along with generating almost a half-billion dollars for the state in 2021.
