Ana Lorena Pérez-Ríos
Ana Lorena Pérez-Ríos, co-director of Like Water for Chocolate alongside Julián de Tavira, an HBO Original series inspired by Laura Esquivel’s renowned 1989 novel, explained that the series is meticulously crafted in every detail. While the exact release date remains undisclosed, she anticipates its premiere to be imminent.
Produced by Warner Bros. Discovery in partnership with Ventanarosa Productions, Endemol Shine North America, and Endemol Shine Boomdog, filming for Like Water for Chocolate concluded in December 2023 after an intensive nine-week shoot. The production took place on location in Mexico City and on rural farms in the state of Tlaxcala, employing approximately 1,200 individuals, including cast and crew.
“I’m confident that they’ll love it. The series features Mexico’s most extraordinary talent in every way. It’s a story that resonates with all of Latin America, crafted with such care and passion that we hope it will move and inspire you as it did us. We were immersed in a magical realism that touched our hearts and made our mouths water, just like the water for chocolate in the story,” Pérez-Ríos said.
The cast features Irene Azuela as Mamá Elena, Azul Guaita as Tita, Andrés Baida as Pedro, Ari Brickman as Don Felipe, Ana Valeria Becerril as Rosaura (Tita’s sister and love rival), Andrea Chaparro as Gertrudis, Ángeles Cruz as Nacha (Tita’s cook and mentor), and Louis David Horné as Juan Alejandrez.
The costumes, designed by Amanda Cárcamo, were inspired by the woolen garments popular during the Mexican Revolution.
Pérez-Ríos noted that one of the production’s challenges was working with young actors and actresses who were unfamiliar with the story and disconnected from the era. “The goal was to create references that could resonate with them and ultimately convey the essence of love, family, relationships, and intimacy within a specific Mexican historical context. It was a challenge to make the story relevant and engaging for a modern audience while preserving its unique historical setting.”
This is the first series adaptation of the acclaimed Mexican novel, which delves into the role of women in a tradition-bound society. It explores the conflict between duty and personal desire, interwoven with the flavors, scents, and emotions that come alive in Tita’s kitchen recipes.
Ana Lorena Pérez-Ríos said that she is in pre-production for a film with BH5 that will begin filming in November. “We will have some great news, with a very attractive cast,” she said, in addition to announcing that she is preparing several series for next year, some with Atenea Media.
HBO inició la producción en México de Como agua para chocolate
