Posted by Milan Skrecek
on November 06, 2025
Hot on the heels of National Hispanic Heritage Month, A Caliente Christmas continues the celebration of Latino heritage through authentic storytelling rooted in Mexico’s cultural heartland.
The upcoming holiday romantic comedy from Ketchum, Killum & Wynn Studios will film on location at Casa Aceves, an estate rooted in a century-long family legacy of presence in the Jalisco Tequila industry.
The production marks one of the rare times a narrative feature has been granted full on-site access to the Casa Aceves estates. The Aceves family’s legacy spans three generations in the Tequila industry, beginning when the founder’s grandfather started commercializing spirits within the Golden Tequila Triangle, the home of the world's finest blue agave. The grounds, surrounded by these iconic agave fields, will serve as both backdrop and heartbeat for the film’s story. Additional filming is also planned at landmark locations in Jalisco, including the Parroquia de San José Obrero in Arandas.
“The distillery in the film is a character in itself. It’s living history,” said producer Milan Skrecek, Head of Production at Ketchum, Killum & Wynn Studios.
“The script was written with authentic locations in mind to communicate that sense of character through the textures, light, and atmosphere unique to Jalisco. Every wall, every barrel breathes Mexico’s history. That kind of authenticity can’t be built on a sound stage. It can only be felt, and it will give the film its soul.”
For José Aceves, Founder of Casa Aceves, the collaboration is equally meaningful. “It is a privilege to share this legacy,” he said. “Our family has stood for generations as a living symbol of Jalisco’s heritage. By aligning with this production, we ensure that the story of our tradition is shared authentically with a global audience.”
“Filming in Mexico is about more than choosing a location — it’s about embracing an identity,” added Rubén R. Bañuelos, Emmy Award–winning director and producer at COBRAFILMS. “Working side by side with A-list Mexican actors, local crews, historic locations, and international teams allows us to create a true fusion of cultures — one that feels emotional, authentic, and alive. Through this film, we’re crafting a cinematic love letter to Mexico — vibrant, proud, and deeply human.”
Set amid tequila fields, distillery backdrops, salsa competitions, and Christmas celebrations in Mexico’s tequila country, A Caliente Christmas follows Lucía Melero, a marketing executive sent to rebrand a struggling tequila label who rediscovers love, community, and culture along the way.
Tonally, the film lands between Anyone But You and Dirty Dancing — a high-energy romantic comedy driven by music, movement, and emotion.
The feature is being produced by Ketchum, Killum & Wynn Studios in partnership with COBRAFILMS and FILMA Jalisco, with support from the Government of Mexico and the Tourism Board of Jalisco. Principal photography is slated for 2026, with additional sequences planned in Los Angeles and Seattle. Casting announcements to follow.
