Eva Longoria Tackles Racism And Bullying With Sports Films, Talks Bruce Jenner And ‘Latina Spice’ Gig As Spice Girl

Eva Longoria is famed for her acting skills, but now the actress is putting on her director and producer caps. The career shift comes after she produced short documentary films for ESPN, reported Yahoo.

Rather than create traditional sports documentaries, Eva focused on the challenges that arise away from the main competition, in particular those connected with racism and bullying.

“We’re always hearing these amazing stories about athletes overcoming and winning the gold medal, or overcoming a personal injury and overcoming an opponent, and I said what if that obstacle was off the field? What if the obstacle was a moral obstacle?”

One such documentary short is called Go Sebastien Go. It tells the story of an 11-year-old San Antonio boy, Sebastien De La Cruz, who found himself the target of racist tweets after he stepped up and sang the national anthem at a Spurs game.

Longoria was outraged by how the boy was bullied.

“He’s fifth generation American, his father fought in the Navy, and it was amazing that our country reacted that way to an 11-year-old,” she declared.

But beyond the racism, Eva focuses on the recovery.

“The greatest thing about the story is how he handled it, and what came of that particular incident, and it’s a beautiful story that I think should be told,” she said.

Surya Bonaly, a French ice skater who also found herself the target of racism after achieving fame for performing the first backflip, is also featured in a documentary.

Parks and Recreation actress Retta directed that film, while Eva produced.

As to why she is attracted to sports, Longoria points to her love of competition.

https://youtu.be/BfkK1h_EPus

“I’m very competitive in my own life, so I love the competition aspect of everything. But you know what, I always say athletes truly have a talent,” she said.

In terms of bullying and sports, Eva reflected on how Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner overcame the tabloids’ negative attention and revealed his transition to female. She hopes that his positive reception indicates that the world is more accepting.

“Everybody’s evolving in this world to be more tolerant of everything, whether it’s sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status. I think everybody’s understanding we’re all human, and so we all have to live on this planet together, and be accepting of one another,” she said.

And Retta considers Bruce to be courageous.

“I think he’s pretty amazing to be that open, to particularly have come from a place where people knew him as a huge sportsman,” she said.

As the Inquisitr reported, Bruce Jenner is set to be featured in a two-part special, Keeping Up With the Kardashians: About Bruce. It will will showcase the views of Jenner about his new life. Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Scott Disick also will be included in the two-part special.

During the show, each individual will reflect on the impact of Jenner’s desire to be authentic for the rest of his life. Part One airs Sunday, May 17, at 9:00 p.m., with Part Two scheduled for Monday, May 18, at 9:00 p.m.

In addition to her work directing the documentaries, Eva took time for fun by reuniting with the Spice Girls in Morocco, revealed the Hollywood Reporter.

The meet-up came when Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, and Victoria Beckham celebrated David Beckham’s birthday. Although Mel B (also known as Scary Spice), couldn’t attend, Eva decided that she would take the role as “Latina Spice.”

“I’m the new Spice Girl! #LatinaSpice @victoriabeckham @emmabunton @MelanieCmusic @gerihalliwell,” posted Eva on social media.

[Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images]