Hollywood star continues her rise behind the camera with a powerful new drama
Eva Longoria is set to bring Anita De Monte Laughs Last to the big screen, continuing her evolution from television icon to acclaimed director.
The 50-year-old actress-turned-filmmaker will direct the film adaptation of Xochitl Gonzalez’s bestselling novel, with the author herself penning the screenplay. The project will once again see Longoria collaborating with Searchlight Pictures, the studio behind her celebrated directorial debut Flamin’ Hot (2023).
A Story of Art, Power, and Forgotten Women
Anita De Monte Laughs Last follows the story of Raquel, a first-generation Ivy League student navigating the elite world of contemporary art. Her discovery of the overlooked and mysteriously deceased artist Anita De Monte sets off a journey of revelation, where Raquel finds unsettling parallels between Anita’s life and her own.
The story is a layered exploration of:
• Power and erasure in elite spaces
• Intersectionality in art and identity
• Who gets remembered—and who doesn’t
The novel has been praised for its poignant commentary on class, race, and feminism, making it a timely and rich choice for Longoria’s next cinematic outing.
Longoria’s Directing Momentum
After Flamin’ Hot earned critical praise for telling the inspiring story of Mexican-American executive Richard Montañez, Longoria made it clear she is committed to championing Latino stories and underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
She is also signed on to direct the Netflix comedy The Fifth Wheel starring Paula Pell, showcasing her versatility across both drama and comedy.
Longoria on Breaking Barriers
Longoria has spoken candidly about the challenges she’s faced trying to step behind the camera—especially as a Latina and a woman in Hollywood.
“The biggest challenge in making any film is getting backing for it,” she told HELLO! last year.
“No one has ever made a movie like Flamin’ Hot about Latinos… Richard [Montañez] had very little education but he knew that his culture was a superpower.”
Reflecting on her transition to directing, Longoria also recalled the skepticism she initially faced:
“The industry’s definitely wary of an actor coming in [to direct]. It wasn’t sexism or racism—it was like, ‘Here comes a dumb actor.’”
Despite the doubts, Longoria has continued to defy expectations, pushing for more authentic representation in both storytelling and leadership roles behind the scenes.
A Powerful Collaboration Ahead
With Gonzalez adapting her own work and Longoria behind the lens, Anita De Monte Laughs Lastpromises to be a deeply personal and culturally resonant film—one that continues Longoria’s mission to center women of color in complex, compelling narratives.
As production details develop, the project is already generating major buzz among literary fans and film lovers alike, eager to see how this powerful novel will come alive on screen.
