Rancho Humilde, one of the most successful Mexican American music labels in the industry, is making its move into Hollywood filmmaking. The Los Angeles-based label, led by CEO Jimmy Humilde, has partnered with Sony Pictures and Sony Music Latin to produce and release a feature film called 'Clika' through Columbia Pictures.
The film marks a significant expansion for a company that has spent the last 15 years reshaping Latin music. Rancho Humilde was formally established in 2011 by Humilde, José 'JB' Becerra, and Roque 'Rocky' Venegas with a mission to evolve regional Mexican music for younger, bicultural audiences.
Background
Rancho Humilde built its reputation by championing a specific sound that blends traditional Mexican corridos with American hip-hop and trap music. This style, known as corridos tumbados or trap corridos, has become one of the biggest forces in Latin music over the past decade. The label is home to major artists including Fuerza Regida and Natanael Cano, and has collaborated with international stars like Bad Bunny, Snoop Dogg, and Steve Aoki.
Corridos are gritty Mexican folk ballads that tell stories about hustlers, immigrants, and ordinary people navigating difficult circumstances. By combining this tradition with contemporary rap and trap beats, Rancho Humilde created something that resonated with a generation of listeners who wanted their cultural heritage reflected in modern sounds.
The label's success in music has now led to a natural expansion into film. Humilde has been vocal about the label's broader cultural impact, telling The Los Angeles Times last year that the company is about more than just music. "We are building a culture — the way we talk, the way we dress, the way we sing — and it's cool," he said.
Key Details
The Film's Story and Cast
'Clika' tells the story of an aspiring small-town musician named Chito, played by Jay Dee, the frontman of Herencia de Patrones, a band that released its debut album under the Rancho Humilde label in 2019. In the film, Chito's performance clip goes viral, giving him the opportunity to pursue a career in the emerging wave of Mexican American music. However, his ambitions lead him into dangerous territory as he becomes caught up in a world more complex and risky than he anticipated.
The narrative explores themes of ambition, tradition, and self-discovery, forcing the main character to confront the consequences of his choices as he chases the American Dream.
Director Michael Greene, who previously directed the film 'Live' in 2018, helmed the project. The cast includes seasoned actor Eric Roberts and rapper OhGeesy, alongside Cristian Gutierrez, Laura Lopez, Nana Ponceleon, and Uziel Pantoja.
Production and Release
Humilde served as executive producer on the film, working alongside his business partners Roque Venegas and Jose Becerra. Sean McBride, Ski-Ter Jones, and Dave "Foots" Footman also worked as producers on the project.
The film was originally scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, through Columbia Pictures. However, more recent information indicates the release date was moved to August 15, 2025.
Industry Response
Sanford Panitch, president of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, praised Humilde's vision and track record. "Jimmy is a visionary producer whose major approach has reshaped the sound of Mexican music," Panitch said in a statement. "Now, his significant contributions in the world of music open the door for new voices, new kinds of stories, and new movie stars."
Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music US Latin, echoed this sentiment, saying the company was excited to partner on the project. "Jimmy Humilde is a visionary who has revolutionized Mexican culture, and 'Clika' is the first film born from his vision and creative drive," Gallardo said.
What This Means
The film represents a significant moment for Mexican American representation in mainstream Hollywood. For years, the music industry has seen Mexican American artists and producers gain enormous influence and commercial success. Now, that same creative force is moving into feature filmmaking.
Humilde has been explicit about what this expansion means to him and his community. "This film paves the way for a whole new era of opportunity and representation for Mexican American creators in Hollywood," he said in a statement. "We've been grinding in the background, but now we're stepping into the spotlight, ready to show the world what we're really about."
"This film paves the way for a whole new era of opportunity and representation for Mexican American creators in Hollywood. We've been grinding in the background, but now we're stepping into the spotlight, ready to show the world what we're really about." — Jimmy Humilde
The partnership between a major music label and a major film studio suggests that Hollywood is taking notice of the cultural influence that Rancho Humilde has built. The label's success in music, combined with its deep roots in Mexican American culture, positions it as a natural producer of stories that reflect that community's experiences and values.
For Sony Pictures and Columbia Pictures, the deal represents a chance to tap into an audience that has proven its loyalty and purchasing power through music streaming and concert attendance. It also signals a broader shift in Hollywood toward investing in stories and creators from underrepresented communities.
The success or failure of 'Clika' will likely influence whether other music labels and entertainment companies follow a similar path, potentially opening more doors for Mexican American creators across the film and television industries.
