TIO PAPI: Exclusive Video Interview with Joey Dedio, Fatima Ptacek and David Castro

It is hard not to tout Mexican comedy star Eugenio Derbez’s success with “Instructions Not Included” as offering proof that Latinos will support more than just their favorite mainstream stars. They will support projects that reflect their image and, more importantly, their lives. This could bode well for director Fro Rojas’ “Tio Papi” (in theaters Friday, September 6), which enters a much different marketplace in the wake of the Derbez’s big splash.

If “Instructions Not Included” embraces more of its Mexican identity than American, “Tio Papi” is decidedly told in a voice that is specific to the American-born Latino. Featuring a star turn by Puerto Rican comedian Joey Dedio, who also serves as co-screenwriter and producer, “Tio Papi” avoids the clichéd urban picture of strife to offer up a sweeter and accessible Latino family image that harkens “The George Lopez Show.”

Such comparisons were welcome to Dedio’s ear, who proved as energetic and charismatic as his on-screen alter ego Ray Ray Dominguez in “Tio Papi.” During a promotional tour stop in Los Angeles, the New York-born actor fully recognized the watershed moment facing the community in more ways than just entertainment. Will Latinos –and the mainstream- make room for “Papi”? Find out why as Dedio, joined by co-stars David Castro and Fatima Ptacek (of “Dora the Explorer” fame), offer their thoughts on the new Latino wave in Hollywood and more in this interview for Desde Hollywood.

“Wild bachelor Ray Ray Dominguez dreams of nothing more than a carefree lifeof indulgence in Miami. His plans are abruptly changed when he becomes the legal guardian of his sister’s six children (ages six-sixteen) as a new “Tio-Papi.” His lifestyle clashes humorously with the interests of his nieces and nephews in this charming comedy about life’s unexpected surprises.”