One of the most talked about films of the 23rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, “Las Aparicio,” premiered Friday night at AMC Fashion Valley 18.

It’s a film adaptation of the popular Mexican TV series about several women coping with a curse that has haunted their family for generations. The curse has killed their husbands and rendered them unable to give birth to males.

Actresses Liz Gallardo and Eréndira Ibarra and director Moisés Ortiz Urquidi attended the festival’s opening night celebration on March 10 and spoke in Spanish about the film.

Controversy surrounded the original series for its portrayal of strong women but not in commonly accepted way and for featuring an openly Latina lesbian couple.

The controversy has slowly shifted to praise from critics, mostly because of the honest portrayal of the relationship between Julia and Mariana, the couple.

“I think in a sense, ‘Las Aparicio’ is a very important product that talks about homosexual content in a different way. It does not stereotype its characters. It presents them how they are supposed to be portrayed, wth dignity.” said Ortiz.

“Classic television in Mexico that the majority of people wants to watch is a television with a creative concept that’s very outdated, in my point of view,” said Gallardo. “The characters become a cliché. The characters are not always interesting, with a depth that allows one as an actress to work more and explore other paths. Those opportunities are not always available. I think this exactly what makes this project so special.”

The original series set a precedent for upcoming works with its complex portrayal of women that are strong, brave and liberating themselves from love and sex.

The impact of “Las Aparicio” has been felt not only in Mexican television but also in the United States, where shows like “Cougar Town” have also dabbled with a Latina lesbian relationship.

“I see a future in Mexico to tell extraordinary stories about extraordinary women because we have plenty of them,” said Ibarra.

“Las Aparicio” will be screened March 12, 13 and 20 at AMC Fashion Valley 18 during the San Diego Latino Film Festival.