Local History Comes to Life: Del Rio Welcomes 'The Long Game' Cast & Crew

Director Julio Quintana, Julian Works, Christian Gallegos, Humberto G. Garcia, and Lupe Felan walk in to cinemark as local SFDR-CISD cheer team welcomes them

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This past Friday, March 29th, the City of Del Rio and the San Felipe Exes came together for a historic celebration marking the premiere of "The Long Game." This highly-anticipated film is based on Humberto G. Garcia's acclaimed book "Mustang Miracle," which talks about the inspiring true story of San Felipe High School's golf team and their journey to the Texas State High School Golf Championship.

Local San Felipe Exes were also welcomed by SFDR-CISD's Cheer Team!

The premiere brought a wave of excitement to Del Rio, with author Humberto G. Garcia, director Julio Quintana, stars Christian Gallegos (who played Mario Lomas) and Julian Works (who played Joe Trevino), and one of the real-life heroes, Lupe Felan, in attendance. Cinemark hosted two packed screenings, each introduced by the cast members. "I didn't realize how much this movie meant to the city of Del Rio until I got here." Works shares with the audience. "So I am kinda feeling all the emotions coming in today." Gallegos, also speaking to the audience expressed his appreciation for the support as well, "We're excited to be here and we're really hoping you guys enjoy the movie just as much as we did." Mayor Al Arreola shared in the community's excitement, highlighting the film's importance for Del Rio. "Actually I am speechless. This event is going to put Del Rio on the map. I think its very exciting, its going to put that vision of culture and our kids.. this is something our new generation the ones that are in school right now, can inspire to do what these guys did with all odds against them." Mayor Arreola shares with us.

Lupe Felan, Julian Works, and Christian Gallegos thank the audience and community before screening "The Long Game"

Del Rioans left the screenings with a feeling of strong hometown pride. A pep rally and Q&A immediately followed, led by Brian Argabright. One notable change in the film, the team's jacket color, was addressed by director Quintana, who surprised audiences with a photoshopped image of the stars in the Mustangs' iconic purple. We also heard from Lupe Felan and Humberto G. Garcia on their insight on how the journey to make this movie possible has been. "Sorry guys, its kinda emotional. Just one of those things you know?"

Quintana surprises the Del Rio community with the cast wearing the iconic 'Mustang Purple'

The City of Del Rio then provided Connect Del Rio and other media outlets exclusive access as the actors visited the San Felipe Exes Memorial Center, a museum dedicated to San Felipe High School. They expressed amazement at the exhibit spotlighting the legendary 1957 golf team. "wow. That's crazy!" Works states. They eventually asked to pose with the real championship trophy.

Julian Works and Christian Gallegos pose for picture with actual Golf Championship Trophy

"The Long Game" premiere marked a significant occasion for Del Rio, honoring its past and inspiring its future generations. Our community awaits what its talented youth will accomplish next.

The Long Game releases in theatres on April 12, 2024