"Hot Tamales Live's" Kiki Melendez Debuts First Feature Film

USA - English

• Latin America - español

LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "Journey of A Female Comic," a Documentary Comedy starring Latino comedienne Kiki Melendez, will be released through AMC Theatres' AMC Independent Program in Los Angeles and San Diego on May 2nd, 2014 with other major markets to follow. The date will also see the release of "Water & Power," which will be a historical accomplishment for Independent Latino Filmmakers just in time for the Cinco de Mayo weekend.

An award-winning actress, writer, producer, TV personality and trailblazing figure, Melendez is best known for creating Galavision's #1 entertainment show in 2000, "Kiki Desde Hollywood," and Showtime Network's hit show, "Hot Tamales Live!" in 2008, the longest running all-female comedy show, now available on HULU.

"Journey of A Female Comic" is an inspirational film for audiences of all races, genders, and backgrounds. It centers on Melendez' life growing up in a developing country, being raised by a single immigrant mother, and her career in Hollywood pursuing the American Dream. Never forgetting her humble beginnings, Melendez' journey is thought-provoking, inspiring audiences to discover the difference between fame and fulfillment.

AMC's independent program added the 88-minute version to its slate following an enthusiastic reception at test screenings.

"Journey of A Female Comic" fits perfectly within our AMC Independent programming initiative, which opens our screens to movies that resonate with our diverse audiences," said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Vice President of Alternative Content at AMC. "Melendez' story is honest and entertaining, and will connect with many of our guests."

"I am so grateful to AMC Independent for the opportunity to share my story. My hope in making this film, is to encourage and inspire women to take their dreams into their own hands," says Melendez.

The feature began as an experimental short film, premiering at the DR Global Film Festival. It also opened at Miami's Hispanicize Film Showcase and The Broadway International Film Festival in 2012, where it represented the U.S. and won "Best Documentary."

"Journey of A Female Comic" also features other Latino trailblazers in Hollywood, including Edward James Olmos, Jacob Vargas, Esai Morales, Nadine Velazquez, the late Lupe Ontiveros, Maria Conchita Alonso and Guy Ecker. Melendez also has lively conversations with international stars including Aaron Spelling, Usher, Sofia Vergara, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, John Travolta, Shakira and Marc Anthony.

The film is produced by Latin Hollywood Films in association with Lions Kill Productions. It is produced and directed by Erick Crespo and Melendez, written by Lynn Marie McCullough and  Melendez. Executive Producers are David Albert Pierce, Mark Ford, Paul Lawrence, Gloria Ortiz, Vickie Leyva and Mike Levy.

For more information and the movie trailer visit www.journeyofafemalecomic.com or #kikijourneymovie.

SOURCE Latin Hollywood Films/Kiki Melendez