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WATCH: This Latin gay cowboy love story brings some Western sizzle to East L.A.

By · Updated on January 26, 2024
Image Credit: ‘El Paisa’

While we eagerly wait queer filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s A Strange Way Of Life to hit theaters next month, there’s another Spanish-language short film about gay cowboys galloping our way.

And, thankfully—to borrow a classic Western phrase—this town’s big enough for both the both of ’em.

From writer-director Daniel Eduvijes Carrera, El Paisa is a slice-of-life queer coming-of-age story that doubles as a modern cowboy tale set in East Los Angeles, one that shines a light on the diversity of the city’s Latin community.

Our protagonist is Fernando (Cristian Urbina in their debut role), a different kind of “lone ranger” who skates around town and rocks some goth makeup. He’s clearly carving out an identity of his own, but his reluctance to speak in Spanish—even to his own mother—shows us he may have some hang-ups about his Latin-American heritage.

Image Credit: ‘El Paisa’

One day, Fernando is attacked by some gang members, only to be rescued by an a mysterious man (David Ty Reza) dressed head to toe like a classic cowboy, almost like he was a hero in a classic Western movie.

Later, an intrigued Fernando follows the cowboy to a Latin gay club, where he’s immediately taken aback by the diversity of folks there, dancing and laughing, none of whom fitting into the stereotypes of what he’s always assumed Latin-American people were meant to be.

You can watch a teaser for the short film below:

Actually filmed around East L.A., El Paisa captures a part of the city infrequently seen on screen, showcasing landmarks historically significant to its sizable Latine community.

It’s also super sexy, especially as Fernando can’t help but feel drawn to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger who may have just saved his life. The short’s clever use of music only heightens the cowboy’s allure—so much so that it’s hard not to get sucked in yourself.

Related:

Pedro Pascal’s “lusty” gay Western premieres—here’s what audiences are saying about the sexy short film

‘A Strange Way Of Life’s’ Cannes premiere gave star Manu Riós an opportunity to flex his pecs on the red carpet.

El Paisa made its world premiere this summer at Outfest in L.A., and is next headed to Long Beach for the 30th anniversary edition of the the QFilm Festival, where it will play as part of a programming block for Latine LGBTQ+ stories on September 16.

There are sure to be more festival dates and screening opportunities to come, so you can stay tuned to the short’s official Instagram page for more updates.

And speaking of Instagram: El Paisa‘s emerging stars Christian Urbina and David Ty Reza both have great profiles with some absolute fire pics, so we’ll drop a few of our favorites from each below. You’re welcome!

Related:

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This fall brings queer biopics, horror flicks, and a musical about a couple of dicks.

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