Camila Mendes is injecting fresh energy into the rom-com genre with her latest film, ‘Música.’ As both the star and executive producer, Mendes brings a much-needed authenticity to the representation of Latine communities in this beloved genre.
‘Música’ follows the journey of Rudy Mancuso, a Brazilian American navigating the complexities of family, romance, and career while living with rhythmic synesthesia. Mendes plays Isabella, Rudy’s love interest, and it’s her first time portraying a character that allows her to connect directly with her Brazilian American heritage. She even showcases her fluency in Portuguese, adding further depth to the role.
Mendes highlights the need for more diverse and inclusive representation in rom-coms, especially for Latines of various backgrounds. ‘We’ve seen so many rom-coms and a lot of played-out scenarios,’ she notes. ‘I think it’s just nice to get a fresh take and bring in a cultural element that normally you don’t see in those rom-coms.’
Beyond ‘Música,’ Mendes remains dedicated to amplifying Brazilian culture on screen. ‘I have a responsibility to my culture that I gladly take,’ she declares. ‘I’m going to use my power to help get the industry to a place where this can be a more regular occurrence.’
Mendes’ passion for evolving the rom-com genre extends beyond her own projects. She cherishes classic rom-coms like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ and ‘Along Came Polly,’ and appreciates Jennifer Lopez’s contribution to the genre with ‘The Wedding Planner.’
Despite her busy schedule, Mendes remains committed to creating meaningful content and embracing the success of ‘Música.’ She plans to take a moment to savor this milestone and celebrate with her co-star and real-life love interest, Rudy Mancuso.
