‘The Long Game’ is a movie based on the true story of the San Felipe Mustangs, a group of Mexican-American youths from Del Rio, Texas. In the 1950s, they faced racial prejudice but overcame it to become the Texas state champions in 1957. Directed by Julio Quintana, the film premiered on streaming platforms on July 12, 2024, after being released in theaters three months earlier. This family-friendly drama tells the story of five young Mexican-Americans who worked as caddies and built their own golf course in the South Texas desert in 1955 so they could play and practice golf.
Where was “The Long Game” Filmed?
The film was shot in Colombia and the historic towns of Smithville and Bastrop in Texas. It beautifully captures the charm of Texas in the 1950s. The story is inspired by the novel ‘Mustang Miracle’ by Humberto G. Garcia. The cast includes Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid, Cheech Marin, Julian Works, Jose Julian, and others.
Colombia
Most of the movie was filmed in Colombia, a country in South America. Although Colombia is not related to the story, it has the right look and feel to represent Del Rio, Texas, and the 1950s setting of the film.
Julio Quintana, the writer and director, mentioned in an interview at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2023 that the crew tried to find a real Del Rio setting for authenticity but could not. He said, “[But] the problem is that Del Rio has changed a lot since the ’50s.”
Therefore, Colombia’s modern cities, natural beauty, and diverse culture were used as the backdrop for the film. Quintana also said that finding locations in Colombia that did not look like Latin America was a challenge. The golf course scenes were also shot in Colombia.
Smithville, Texas
Smithville is a key location in the film. It is well-known for hosting the 1998 Sandra Bullock film ‘Hope Floats.’ The interior and exterior sequences of the houses in ‘The Long Game’ were filmed in Smithville, near Austin.
Specific locations in Smithville include Union Pacific Caboose 24554 and Railroad Park, both filmed at 113 NW 1st St, Smithville, Texas, USA.
Smithville is noted for its small-town charm, old buildings, and oak-lined lanes, which make it ideal for displaying the beauty of the past. Quintana described why Smithville was chosen for filming: “Smithville is a time capsule in a lot of ways; the ’50s houses have been really well preserved, and downtown still looks like the ’50s.”
Bastrop, Texas
The golf playing scenes in ‘The Long Game’ were filmed at ColoVista Golf Club in Bastrop, Texas. This golf course was chosen for its ability to represent the setting of the movie authentically. ColoVista Golf Club’s landscape and design were ideal for depicting the era and the golf course built by the San Felipe Mustangs.
Bastrop, known as “the most historic small town in Texas,” provided additional historic charm and context for the film. The close proximity to Smithville allowed for a seamless portrayal of the 1950s setting.
So, from the streets of Smithville to the golf course at ColoVista, ‘The Long Game’ beautifully showcases its historical backdrop and brings the true story of the San Felipe Mustangs to life.
Cast Information
The Long Game tells a touching and uplifting story about teenage golfers who overcome ethnic barriers and societal hurdles. A great cast helps to bring the film’s gripping story to life. Jay Hernandez plays JB Peña, a World War II veteran and Del Rio school administrator who was instrumental in establishing and coaching the golf team. Dennis Quaid, a skilled actor, plays Frank Mitchell, who helps the Mustang crew on their mission.
Cheech Marin, best known for his work with Cheech and Chong, plays Pollo in a more serious character, which adds both humor and depth to the film. Julian Works plays Joe Treviño, whose contributions to golf and service at Laughlin and Travis Air Force Bases enhance the plot. Jaina Lee Ortiz, known for her part in Station 19, plays Lucy Peña, JB Peña’s supporting wife. Her personal sacrifices and emotional support contribute to the film’s narrative.
Brett Cullen also stars as Judge Milton Cox, who represents the Mustang team’s social challenges and adds dramatic tension to the narrative. Supporting actors include Oscar Nuñez as Principal Guerra, Paulina Chávez as Daniela Torres, Gregory Diaz IV as Gene Vasquez, Miguel Angel Garcia as Felipe Romero, and Christian Gallegos as Mario Lomas. Each actor contributes to the film’s depiction of real-life obstacles and successes, creating The Long Game a strong and memorable tale.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Long Game
Q: Where was “The Long Game” filmed?
A: ‘The Long Game’ was primarily filmed in two locations: Colombia and Texas. Most of the scenes were shot in Colombia, which provided the backdrop for the 1950s Texas setting due to its suitable landscapes and features. Specific filming locations in Texas included Smithville and Bastrop. The golf playing scenes were filmed at ColoVista Golf Club in Bastrop, Texas.
Q: Why was Colombia used as a filming location for “The Long Game”?
A: Colombia was chosen because it had the right look and feel to represent the 1950s setting of Del Rio, Texas. The real Del Rio had changed too much to provide the authentic backdrop needed for the film. Colombia’s modern cities, natural landscapes, and diverse culture served as suitable substitutes for the historical setting.
Q: When was “The Long Game” filmed?
A: Filming for “The Long Game” took place over several months in 2023. The majority of the scenes were shot in Colombia, with additional filming in Smithville and Bastrop, Texas. The exact dates of filming in each location were not specified, but it was completed by early 2024.
Q: When was “The Long Game” released?
A: “The Long Game” premiered in theaters on April 12, 2024. It was later released on streaming platforms on July 12, 2024, allowing more viewers to enjoy the film from the comfort of their homes.
Q: What are some notable filming locations in Smithville and Bastrop?
A: In Smithville, key filming locations included Union Pacific Caboose 24554 and Railroad Park, both situated at 113 NW 1st St. In Bastrop, scenes were filmed throughout the city, known for its historic charm and proximity to Smithville.
Q: Who are the cast members in “The Long Game”?
A: “The Long Game” features Jay Hernandez as JB Peña, Dennis Quaid as Frank Mitchell, Cheech Marin as Pollo, Julian Works as Joe Treviño, and Jaina Lee Ortiz as Lucy Peña. Brett Cullen plays Judge Milton Cox, with supporting roles by Oscar Nuñez, Paulina Chávez, Gregory Diaz IV, Miguel Angel Garcia, and Christian Gallegos.
