McFarland is a film that the whole family will love! You will leave the movie feeling inspired and believing that the possibilities are endless when you don’t give up on yourself.
I had the opportunity to sit down with two of the McFarland teen numbers Carlos Pratts (Thomas Valles) and Hector Duran (Johnny Sameniego) and not only do I respect the characters on screen but after having trouble with them I respect them often as well.
Here’s what they had to say about working with Kevin Costner and why working on this movie was so important to them
Are there any similarities between you and the characters you play in McFarland USA?
Hector Duran: My character, Johnny, and I are very similar. We like to joke around and laugh but at the same time we’re small and have big hearts.
Carlos Pratts: My mom was a single mom and I got a Jim White in my life in the form of my stepfather. Much like my character, I didn’t really like my step dad in the beginning. But, my stepfather is an amazing man and I’m just thankful to have him. A lot of things I see in the movie, I see in my family.
Did you get to meet the people you portrayed in the movie? What was that like?
Carlos Pratts: Those guys are awesome. They lived this.
It is easy to be excited about a movie where it is about them and who they are. It’s easy to be happy about being in a movie. Not these guys. They are excited because it is a movie about our culture. It’s a movie about McFarland and it’s going to inspire everyone there. These guys are proud of what I think Jim White wanted them to do all along which is to come back and make a difference, which is what they did.
How do you feel about being part of a film that puts the spotlight on Latinos?
Hector Duran: This is a great honor for me because it’s showing Latinos in a positive light.
Carlos Pratts: I’m honored to be part of this film because it’s talking about our parents and all that they’ve gone through. It’s not just about Latinos, it’s about every culture struggling to give their children the best that they can.
What was it like working with Kevin Costner?
Hector Duran: He is such a humble guy. You can’t explain it until you get to know him.
Carlos Pratts: He’s amazing. We really have Kevin Costner to thank for McFarland USA. If he didn’t want to be part of this film, I don’t think it would of been made.
At the end of the interview he went on to say…
At the beginning of the movie we told Kevin “Thank you for doing this movie”…if Kevin Cosner didn’t sign on to do this movie, our people wouldn’t be seen in a way that they’re going to be seen now. He is opening doors for us, not just for Latinos but for people of color. Whatever we want to be, we can be and I honestly feel that Kevin knew that from the beginning. Everyday that dude brought it. This is all Kevin.
Any interesting Kevin Costner stories you want to share?
Carlos Pratts: My nine-year old brother would hang around the set and Kevin took an instant liking to him. It was around Christmas time and Kevin started showing him a video of his yearly gathering at his home for all of the children in the community. There were snow machines, endless amounts of food..and I think I saw camels. So, my little brother turns to Kevin and says, “How much money do you have?” Kevin responds with, “It’s not about how much money I have, it’s about getting to share it with everyone else.”
Did you run cross country or track before the filming McFarland USA? How did you prepare for all the running?
Hector Duran: I ran my first half marathon when I was eleven but I had gotten out of shape before filming this. We trained for an entire month before hand. I think for me it was easier because I already had the mental conditioning.
Carlos Pratts: The running was an physical and emotional challenge. I had to prepare myself mentally to get into each of them but at the end of the day, I’m doing what I love.
What do you hope families take away from this movie?
Hector Duran: For the parents to be there for the small children and for the kids to have goals in life.
Carlos Pratts: I agree 100 percent. This movie is so special for kids, we are hoping that they watch this and chase after their dreams. Nothing is impossible. It doesn’t matter what situation they are in.
McFarland USA is officially in theaters so go out with your family and see this wonderful film.
