‘McFarland, USA’ New Disney Film Reveals True Story Of Inspiring Latino Teens

A trailer from Disney’s upcoming film “McFarland, USA” has been released and it seems that the 1987 true story will certainly make an impact on screen. The story follows a group of Latino students in the California farming town of McFarland who, with the help of their gym teacher Jim White, played by actor Kevin Costner, build their underfunded high school’s first ever cross country team. The film, which is most certainly set to be a feel good story, introduces a group of boys who have little chance for a better future, until they begin to run. The group starts off running in the typical gym class setting but soon discover they have a genuine talent for track and field, although they encounter several issues on and off the track, the Latino teens learn to band together which ultimately leads them to success.

The trailer introduces this tale, and opens with a school administrator telling Kevin Costner’s character that McFarland is “a farming town. These kids working here are invisible. They come from the fields and they go back to the fields.” In addition to the inspiring them, the film will tackle real life social issues that plague many Latino children who are the children of migrant workers. The trailer also seem to delve into the difficulties faced by Latino families not only on a socio-economic level, but also in terms of culture. In one scene from the trailer, Costner’s character is in the midst of taking attention when calls upon three students in a row with the last name Diaz, he lightheartedly questions, “is that a popular name where you come from?” Though not meant with malice, the remark shows the lack of cultural integration in certain communities. The scene concludes with one of the students questioning if “White” is popular name where he comes from.

“McFarland, USA” which is set for release on February 20, 2015 stars Kevin Costner and several young Latino actors including Carlos Pratts, who portrays the protagonist Thomas. In an interview with Variety Latino, Pratts revealed that he believes Hollywood is currently very interested in Latino-themed stories, stating, “Right now there are more stories, like “Jane the Virgin,” “Cristela,” and thank god “McFarland, USA.” There will always be stories for Latinos and Latinas but I think the stories are now changing for the better.”