'Gentefied' explores gentrification of East LA

The gentrification war taking place right now in a popular Latino community of Los Angeles is reaching Sundance. EN DOS IDIOMAS “Gente-fied,” a bilingual digital web series executive produced by actress America Ferrera, will be shown on the big screen at the 2017 edition of the festival under the section Special Programs. Just like the languages spoken in the series, its title is a play of words in English and Spanish–”gente” means people in español.

7 IS KEY NUMBER “Gente-fied” follows seven characters in as many episodes dealing with the impact gentrification has in their lives in Boyle Heights, a neighborhood of East Los Angeles. Starring the series are several veteran and up-and-coming actors: Alicia Sixtos (“East Los High”), Art Bonilla (“Contrapelo,” “Salvador”), Edsson Morales (“The Market”), Rafael Sigler (“Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag”), Sal Velez (“Hand of God”), Victoria Ortiz (“Transparent”), and Yareli Arizmendi (“Like Water for Chocolate”). APPERANCE BY FERRERA Ferrera, the winner of a Golden Globe for her role in the funny TV show “Ugly Betty,” makes a cameo appearance in "Gente-fied," which will screen twice at Sundance, Jan. 23 and 25. Check out the trailer of web series.

–CESAR ARREDONDO