Originally published at: https://geektherapy.org/million-dollar-cinema-studio-drives-bendito-corazon-to-breakout-u-s-box-office-expansion/
Author: Newsroom
LOS ANGELES — Mexican feature Bendito Corazón is emerging as a breakout performer at the U.S. box office, rapidly expanding from a targeted 23-theater launch to more than 350 screens nationwide within two weeks.
The film, produced in Mexico and distributed in the U.S. by Million Dollar Cinema Studio in partnership with CNMG Distribution, opened February 6 to $540,000 from 23 locations.
Driven by a wave of sold-out screenings and intense word-of-mouth, the momentum surged in its second frame. Following multiple sold-out screenings and strong per-screen averages, the release widened to an additional 170 theaters in its second frame, grossing $1.6 Million. With demand showing no signs of slowing down, Bendito Corazón is projected to surpass 350 screens by February 20.
Following multiple sold-out screenings and strong per-screen averages, the release widened to an additional 170 theaters in its second frame, grossing $1.6 Million, with projections to surpass 350 screens by February 20.
The expansion marks one of the most aggressive rollouts for a Mexican production in the U.S. market this year.
At its release in Mexico, “Bendito Corazón” outperformed the new release “Send Help,” directed by Sam Raimi, at the box office, with the Latin film grossing 48 million pesos to date, compared with 45.3 million pesos for the Hollywood production.
Starring Lisset, Salvador Zerboni, Frank Rodríguez and Father Arturo Cornejo, Bendito Corazón has gained traction largely through word-of-mouth momentum, with exhibitors reporting sustained audience demand and repeat attendance in key Latino markets.
Binational Distribution Strategy
The release is the first under a strategic alliance between Million Dollar Cinema Studio (U.S.) and CNMG Distribución (Mexico), structured to coordinate near-simultaneous theatrical launches in both territories. The model aims to strengthen cross-border performance while capitalizing on the growing demand for Latino content in North America.
“Bendito Corazón is the first of several titles we plan to bring to U.S. theaters through our partnership with CNMG,” said Gerardo E. Domínguez, President of Million Dollar Cinema Studio. “Day-and-date positioning between Mexico and the U.S. creates a meaningful opportunity for Latino audiences who want to experience culturally resonant films on the big screen, while giving Mexican productions broader commercial exposure.”
Word-of-Mouth-Driven Performance
Unlike traditional studio tentpoles supported by large-scale media campaigns, Bendito Corazón has relied heavily on grassroots engagement and social amplification. Exhibitors have cited strong audience response and sustained weekend holds as key drivers behind the rapid screen expansion.
Industry observers have begun referring to the film’s momentum as the “Bendito Corazón effect” — a faith-centered narrative that connects across demographic segments in a competitive marketplace dominated by major studio releases.
Positioning Latino Cinema in the U.S. Market
For Million Dollar Cinema Studio, the performance reinforces its strategy of combining commercial scalability with culturally specific storytelling. The company is positioning itself as a key conduit for Mexican and Latino content seeking wider theatrical penetration in the United States.
“We anticipated a strong reception, but the North American response has exceeded expectations,” Domínguez said. “This performance confirms there is a sizable audience for these stories when they are given proper theatrical access.”
As the rollout continues nationwide, Bendito Corazón is increasingly competing for screens alongside studio titles in several key U.S. markets — signaling continued upside potential as the expansion stabilizes.