The New Mexico Film Office today announced the feature film Flamin’ Hot is currently in production in New Mexico. From Searchlight Pictures and directed by Eva Longoria, the film is produced by DeVon Franklin from an original script by Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chavez. Filming will take place through August 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Flamin’ Hot is the inspiring true story of Richard Montanez, the Frito Lay janitor who channeled his Mexican American heritage and upbringing to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into an iconic snack that disrupted the food industry and became a global pop culture phenomenon. Previously announced stars Jesse Garcia and Annie Gonzalez will portray Richard and Judy Montanez.
The production will employ approximately 204 New Mexico crew members, 44 New Mexico principal cast members, and 875 New Mexico background and extras. Principal cast includes Jessie Garcia (Quinceanera) and Annie Gonzales (Gentefied).
“Flamin’ Hot is the story of Mr. Montanez, the Frito-Lay janitor who in the early 90’s developed the cultural phenomenon of Flaimin’ Hot Cheetos in order to reach the untapped Latino market. As a majority-minority state filled with culture and love of Hot Cheetos we are thrilled that New Mexico will serve as the setting for bringing this story to the big screen,” said Alicia J. Keyes, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Economic Development Department.
