Tokischa’s Strongest Character for Billboard Latin Music Week
The journey from stage to screen is a path many artists dream of, and Dominican singer Tokischa is actively exploring that bridge, finding new depths in her pursuit of acting alongside her successful music career. Having recently starred in House of Guerrero, she is not ruling out expanding her cinematic footprint, demonstrating a desire to explore dramatic roles that reflect the rich emotional landscape of her life.
During a recent discussion at Billboard Latin Music Week, Tokischa opened up about her aspirations for her acting debut. When asked about her dream role, she envisioned playing a highly dramatic character, saying she wanted to portray someone who has experienced profound emotions. “I’ve been through a lot in my life,” she shared. “I want to be a crier. I want to play a person who has endured much, perhaps someone who has lost something really strong, maybe even a drug addict or someone who has suffered deeply.”
This desire for emotional depth is tied to her personal identity. Tokischa, who identifies as Latina, discussed how she approached the character of Xochitl Romero, her overprotective friend, in the film. She noted that since she grew up immersed in Mexican culture in the Dominican Republic, she brought that part of her Latina identity into the performance, finding authenticity in her emotional portrayal rather than trying to force a specific accent.
The film House of Guerrero itself is a compelling ensemble effort, directed by Gina Rodriguez and produced by Wayfarer Studios, 1Community, and I Can And I Will Productions. The cast is packed with talent, including Becky G, who plays Maya, and Carlos Sanson Jr., who portrays Alex Guerrero, a former boxer seeking to reclaim his career. The film also features George Lopez as Alejandro Guerrero and Rosario Dawson as his mother, Elsa Guerrero.
The production highlighted the complexities of cultural representation, especially regarding Latin heritage on screen. Carlos Sanson Jr., an actor with Latin American roots, spoke about the importance of genuine connection during filming. He reflected that while there is always a focus on stereotypes, the experience of bringing diverse Latin artists together allowed them to appreciate each other’s cultures in a deeper way.
The potential for Latin cinema to achieve global prominence is a topic that resonated throughout the conversation. Executive producer Scott Budnick, known for his work on major Hollywood films, expressed strong optimism that this shift is already happening. He pointed to the massive commercial impact of Latin music figures, citing Bad Bunny’s success at the Super Bowl and the development of influential stories within his company, such as Porto Rico by Residente. Budnick believes that when stories tap into the powerful, common themes of the Latin community, they naturally break out onto the international stage.