Eva Longoria is stepping behind the camera once again, this time to direct and produce the screen adaptation of the acclaimed novel Anita de Monte Laughs Last. The project, backed by Searchlight Pictures, will shine a cinematic spotlight on a fictional Latina artist’s journey through love, loss, and legacy
Highlights:
- Eva Longoria will direct and produce the film version of Anita de Monte Laughs Last
- The adaptation is being developed under Searchlight Pictures
- The novel centers on a Latina artist whose story resurfaces decades after her death
- The film adds to Longoria’s growing slate of women-led, culturally rich stories
Main Story:
Actress and filmmaker Eva Longoria has signed on to direct and produce the film adaptation of Anita de Monte Laughs Last, a celebrated novel by Xochitl Gonzalez. The project is being developed under Searchlight Pictures, known for producing award-winning character-driven films.
The story follows Anita de Monte, a fictional Cuban-American artist who dies under mysterious circumstances in the 1980s. Years later, her story is rediscovered by a university student navigating her own identity and ambition. The novel intertwines themes of race, privilege, gender, and the erasure of Latina voices in the art world.
Longoria, who made her feature directorial debut with Flamin’ Hot, continues her mission to spotlight underrepresented narratives—particularly those involving strong Latina women. She’ll also co-produce the film through her production company, Hyphenate Media Group.
Known for her passion for storytelling that blends culture and social commentary, Longoria’s vision aligns with the heart of Gonzalez’s novel. Her role as both director and producer signals a hands-on approach to bringing Anita’s layered and emotional journey to life on screen.
Details on the cast and release date are still under wraps, but the project has already generated buzz in both literary and film circles.
“Whose stories get told — and who gets to tell them — is changing. Eva Longoria is helping lead that change, one frame at a time.”
