The Magic of Hollywood

Meet Houston Filmmaker Baldemar Rodriguez, director of the Movie El Nacional
Posted by Sandra Fernandez

Please join Saul Valentin, Ben Mendez, Elma Barrera and David Flores as they introduce Houston filmmaker Baldemar Rodriguez, Jr. and his new film El Nacional. The cast and crew of El Nacional will be in attendance. Great food, cash bar and music by Ramon Ayala and Irma Infante (daughter of Pedro Infante & Irma Dorantes).

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6:00pm - 10:00pm

At the Post Oak Grill Cafe, 3017 Milam in Midtown

For more details contact Ricardo Fernandez at 713-530-8080 or Rfernandez@nhpo.us.

Can't make it to the event? Please consider giving a donation to the project:

Christmas Eve 2007 - The Martinez Family

This photo was taken in Galveston, Texas at Moody Gardens. What a perfect day. The family celebrated a special weekend enjoying the festive lights, the rides, skating at the ice rink, and the IMAX movies.

Times like these are rare, but Mr. and Mrs. Martinez ensure that their family remains close and build memories when they can afford them. The times are changing and family pressure seems to be at an all time high. There are so many uncertainties that challenge the Martinez family. A large family has special needs and each has learned to depend on the other. Something threatens to tear them apart. They have never talked about it as a family, but know the day of reckoning approaches. Time is so precious, each moment together is sweeter. Can they survive what awaits them? "El Nacional" is coming to a theatre near you in 2009!

"El Nacional" will grip you and your family. Journey with the Martinez family as they face a challenge beyond their worst fears. This movie will make you love your family even more.

Angelica Martinez (Age 16), Last Seen in the Rio Grande Valley

Angelica loves her life. She has managed to excel in her studies, made it as the head cheerleader, and yet she struggles each day with severe juvenile diabetes requiring her to monitor her blood sugar every hour. Her family knows what happens to her body when she failed to monitor it in the past, and everyone knows what to do when she starts to go into shock. Today she had to grow up fast and take on more responsibility than she ever thought possible. Her life is now on hold and her dreams seem to be slipping away. She will never be the same after today, but she still carries her hope wherever she goes.

Alex Martinez (Age 11), Last Seen in San Antonio, Texas

Alex is a shy, good-looking kid with strong interests in computer games. If given the preference, he would rather be alone listening to his music and playing computer games on-line against formidable opponents. He is well-known for his gaming skills and loves to win any battle he faces. Today his challenge is real and the life he has known has been turned upside down. He is angry and wants to know what happened. He especially wants to know why he can't go home tonight and misses his mom and dad.

Monica Martinez (Age 6), Last Seen in Galveston, Texas

Today, Monica awoke to a normal life. She dressed for school and was anxious to meet her friends. She is a leader in her circle. She loves to read, sing, and dance. One day hopes to make it big as an entertainer. She and her older brother Alex (age 11) rarely get along. Monica is strong-willed and assertive for her age, but she is still sensitive. She was not prepared for what happened today and wants to know what went wrong. She wants to know why her brothers and sisters are so afraid. Her life will never be the same.

Irasema Martinez (Age 5), Last Seen in Houston, Texas

Irasema is a typical young girl with an atypical challenge. She is outgoing and loves to laugh and play with her brothers and sisters when she can get their attention. Her family loves her outgoing maturity and the respect that she shows to her elders. She is a worrier and is concerned for her eldest sister, Angelica, who has diabetes and requires careful observation as she deals with her illness.

See the Pre-production Trailer of "El Nacional" the Movie by Adelante Productions

Take a sneak preview of the feature film currently in pre-production. Director Baldemar Rodriguez brings to the big screen the Martinez family. A family caught in the middle. A family you will love and a story that will make you love your family even more. This PG-13 family drama will simply be riveting.

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers is a supporter of this project, visit: http://www.nalip.org/

Irma Infante Sings Her Heart Out at "El Nacional" Filmmaking Business Opportunity Party

Legendary entertainer, Irma Infante, daughter of Pedro Infante and Irma Dorantes, surprises the over 100 plus attendees of the "Experience the Magic of Hollywood", filmmaking business opportunity party for the movie "El Nacional" held at Polo's Signature Restaurant in Houston, Texas. The music star was flown in from Mexico City, Mexico for this special evening.

Mr. Lupe Fraga Welcomes the VIPs at the Pre-production Showcase

Mr. Lupe Fraga, President of Tejas Office Products, Inc. and Texas A&M Board of Regent, sponsored the evening and welcomed the guests, along with media icons Elma Barrera and Minerva Perez who emceed the presentation. Several other business leaders, media professionals, and movie makers supporting the project were also in attendance.

To see other photos of the evening: <"El Nacional" photo blog>

See and hear Irma Infante, dazzle the crowd with her amazing performance (in Spanish).







Pictured left to right: Elma Barrera, Director Baldemar Rodriguez, and Irma Infante

Minerva Perez chats with Tina Valadez

Our Sponsors and Supporters

Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters! If you are interested in learning more about this feature film or can help support the project, please contact us by e-mail at info@ElNacionalMovie.com or call 281.782.7568

"El Nacional" Movie for 35mm Release - Shooting February 2008

Welcome to the "El Nacional" movie blog. "El Nacional" in English, means "The National". What is a "National" or "El Nacional"? This movie by Director Baldemar Rodriguez, explores issues that will grip you and your family in a way that only the movies can.

Join us on this journey, as we introduce you to "The Martinez's," a typical Mexican-American family; but, they have a secret.

What would you do to keep your family together, if faced with overwhelming challenges that could tear them apart?