Wilmer Valderrama and Cara Santana Leto Join Documentary Short ‘Rat Rod’ as Executive Producers (EXCLUSIVE)
Actors and multi-hyphenates Wilmer Valderrama and Cara Santana Leto have joined the filmmaking team behind the acclaimed short documentary “Rat Rod” as executive producers. The film, directed by Jared Jakins and Carly Jakins, offers an intimate portrait of a Mexican immigrant mechanic transforming salvaged cars in rural Utah while navigating questions of identity, memory and home.
Beginning today, “Rat Rod” is available to stream on the Switchboard Magazine website and YouTube channel. The film, which follows mechanic Jorge Ramirez, recently secured a spot for consideration in the Oscar race after claiming top honors at both the Seattle International and Nashville Film Festivals, qualifying it for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards. It has also earned accolades from the San Francisco International, Palm Springs, Flickers and Indy Shorts film festivals.
Valderrama, producing through his WV Entertainment’s WV Alternative arm, said the film resonated deeply with him. “‘Rat Rod’ is more than a documentary, it’s a testament to the strength and creativity of the migrant community,” he said. “Jorge’s journey is one of perseverance, artistry and identity, and I am honored to help share his story with the world.”
Santana Leto added that her upbringing inspired her connection to the project. “Growing up on the border of Mexico, it was impressed upon me the importance and value of sharing diverse stories to allow us to connect to one another through our shared humanity,” she said. “‘Rat Rod’ is an undeniable expression of the power of storytelling. Jorge’s story captured my heart and it’s been a privilege to champion this film and bring to light the experiences of people who may be traditionally under-recognized in cinema.”
In addition to directing, Carly and Jared Jakins produced the film alongside H.B. Phillips, Kelyn Ikegami, and Celia Aniskovich and Harlin Lawal for Switchboard Magazine.
Beginning today, “Rat Rod” is available to stream on the Switchboard Magazine website and YouTube channel. The film, which follows mechanic Jorge Ramirez, recently secured a spot for consideration in the Oscar race after claiming top honors at both the Seattle International and Nashville Film Festivals, qualifying it for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards. It has also earned accolades from the San Francisco International, Palm Springs, Flickers and Indy Shorts film festivals.
Valderrama, producing through his WV Entertainment’s WV Alternative arm, said the film resonated deeply with him. “‘Rat Rod’ is more than a documentary, it’s a testament to the strength and creativity of the migrant community,” he said. “Jorge’s journey is one of perseverance, artistry and identity, and I am honored to help share his story with the world.”
Santana Leto added that her upbringing inspired her connection to the project. “Growing up on the border of Mexico, it was impressed upon me the importance and value of sharing diverse stories to allow us to connect to one another through our shared humanity,” she said. “‘Rat Rod’ is an undeniable expression of the power of storytelling. Jorge’s story captured my heart and it’s been a privilege to champion this film and bring to light the experiences of people who may be traditionally under-recognized in cinema.”
In addition to directing, Carly and Jared Jakins produced the film alongside H.B. Phillips, Kelyn Ikegami, and Celia Aniskovich and Harlin Lawal for Switchboard Magazine.