Cristo Fernández from Ted Lasso Shares Trailer for Indie Film No Translation Required, Ready for Festival Debut
Cristo Fernández, known for his role in Ted Lasso, alongside Paloma Cinco, has unveiled the trailer and first-look images for their new independent film, No Translation Required. The 90-minute bilingual romantic comedy is set to make its debut at the Guadalajara Film Festival in April.
Directed by Rafael Altamira, recognized for Carretera 15 and When You Are Gone, the film is co-written by Fernández and Kelsie McDonald, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Fernández. Cinco takes on the role of producer.
Based on a true story, No Translation Required follows Paco (Fernández), a young taco vendor, as he narrates to his close friend Memita (Michelle Rodriguez) the tale of his romance with Gabby (McDonald), an assistant at a Los Angeles fashion brand. This narrative explores themes of ambition, distance, and the challenges posed by immigration.
McDonald remarked, “The only thing stronger than hate is love. That idea feels especially resonant in today’s cultural climate.”
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Daniel Sosa from Y Llegaron de Noche, Valentina from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and David Elsendoorn, also from Ted Lasso, alongside Alexis “Ojitos de Huevo” Arroyo and Kike Vázquez of Nothing to See Here, as well as Paloma Cinco herself, and Mexican pop star Sofish in her acting debut, among others.
Kelsie McDonald and Cristo Fernández
Courtesy of Espectro MX Films
Filmed primarily in Guadalajara, the narrative takes place across both Guadalajara and Los Angeles. Cinco highlighted the critical importance of Jalisco as a filming location.
“Receiving the cash rebate from Filma Jalisco was instrumental in structuring our production,” she explained. “Jalisco is positioning itself as one of the most competitive production destinations in Latin America — not only because of its incentives, but because of its crews, facilities, and long-term vision for the industry. It’s an exciting moment for filmmakers building from here.”
The cinematography is led by Yohanan Montaño, known for Made in Mexico. The film brings together key collaborators from Corina (2024), including costume designer Anna Barroso Bou, production designer Lou Pérez Sandi, and hair and makeup designer Verónica G. Ríos.
An international post-production team contributes to the film, featuring Emmy-nominated composer Tom Howe, who has worked on Ted Lasso and Shrinking. Sound design and music supervision are managed by Odin Acosta and The Hub, with additional music by Mexican composer Daniel “Danny” Carrillo. The editing is in the hands of Antonio Méndez of Acapulco, with color, online and VFX by Franz A. Novotny at GeKolor Studios. Digital Film Tree, known for Ted Lasso and The Umbrella Academy, oversees the conform and finishing workflow.
Through No Translation Required, Espectro MX Films aims to solidify its presence as a binational production company facilitating culturally rich storytelling between Mexico and the United States.
The trailer for No Translation Required is available for viewing below.
