There's nothing more Americana than a Norman Rockwell painting that would capture the essence of American culture with the stroke of a paintbrush.

Just imagine what it would look like if Rockwell's paintings came to life during the 1940's, in the middle of World War II -- but set in Mexico and told by Mexican filmmakers.

Interestingly enough, Mexican director Alejandro Monteverde, Mexican executive producer Eduardo Verástegui and with the support of power couple Roma Downey ("Touched by an Angel," "Son of God," "The Bible," "A.D.") and Mark Burnett (producer of "The Voice," "Shark Tank," "Son of God" and "The Bible," "A.D."), they have made this a reality with their upcoming major motion picture, "Little Boy," which hits theaters on April 24.

Set in the 1940s, "Little Boy" tells the heartwarming story of a 7-year-old boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home alive from World War II. The story highlights the unbreakable bond between father and son and the indescribable love the two have for one another.

During his father's absence, Little Boy (Jakob Salvati) also befriends a Japanese man, Hashimoto (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), who is discriminated against initially by Little Boy and his brother, London (David Henrie) and the community during a tumultuous time in American history. However, the "universal themes" of "hope, faith and love" ultimately prevail, Verástegui points out.

"Little Boy" also stars Kevin James, Emily Watson, Ted Levine, Michael Rapaport, Ali Landry and Ben Chaplin. "Little Boy" was also the code name of the nuclear weapon that was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima by the U.S. Army Airforces on August 6, 1945, marking the first time a nuclear weapon was used in a war.

Monteverde, a Smithsonian Institute Award-winning director known for directing "Bella," co-wrote and directed "Little Boy" with Pepe Portillo. Verástegui, who also starred in "Bella," executive produced and starred in "Little Boy."

What's fascinating about the film is that, like Rockwell, Monteverde and Verástegui, the movie crew used their cameras as their "brush" to capture a touching and powerful Americana story that was impeccably depicted and executed. They also used a stunning backdrop on Mexican soil -- in Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico where the blockbuster phenomenon "Titanic" was also filmed.

"We were looking at an empty lot so we could build a town with a Norman Rockwell sensibility that was in front of the ocean. It was really hard to find that in Los Angeles or California," Verástegui told Latin Post on Feb. 26 during the pre-release screening of "Little Boy" in New York City.

"Touched by the story," the owner of the Rosarito lot gave them "an amazing deal."

"We lived there for a year and we built an entire town there," he added. "We filmed this in Mexico. It's a crazy combination because it's a universal theme with a very Americana story made by Mexicans," he reiterated.

Having the support of power couple Downey and Burnett has been a blessing for Verástegui, who was the voice of Jesus Christ in the Spanish version of the film "Son of God" (also produced by the successful duo).

"Little Boy" is "an instant family classic that is utterly unique but reminiscent of films like E.T., Sound of Music and Life is Beautiful," Burnett said.

Verástegui also touched upon the Latino-centric hit "Bella," as well as the new direction that his production company, Metanoia Films, is taking to become more universal for both Latinos and non-Latinos -- proving that storytelling can be universal, as well.

In the past couple of years, we've see Mexican filmmakers find great success telling American stories, including Oscar-winning Mexican directors Alfonso Cuarón ("Gravity") and Alejandro González Iñárritu ("Birdman").

"I am very grateful that for the second time that Mexican filmmakers' talents have been recognized and that somehow has opened doors to help others who are behind, showing them the way. ... I think Alejandro Monteverde is someone that the Academy should be paying attention to," he said. 

However, many Latinos often ask why Mexican filmmakers aren't featuring fellow Mexicans or Latino-Americans in their films.

On the contrary, Verástegui points out that Metanoia Films' first project highlighted Latinos and in a positive light with "Bella."

"That was 'Bella,' but each chapter we decide to tell different stories, little by little ... The second chapter we decided that, 'You know what? We live in the United States, we are all Latinos. We are very grateful to this country for opening up the door to our dreams and every single role in our professional careers is somehow happening here. So, why don't we tell a story that somehow captures the heart and the soul of America with a universal message?' So everyone can relate, but that it's going to be filmed in Mexico, so that we can generate employment in a country that right now is going through a big crisis."

The film's universal message of faith, love and hope has already resonated with audiences who have seen the film.

"We have done different experiments from eight to 80 [years old] from different countries to see what happens and it's amazing ... [to] see how they are moved regardless of where they are from. It's a movie, it's art, it's subjective and not everyone is going to like it, but we have achieved that goal in many screenings," he said.

"People who were inspired to forgive. They were inspired to call their parents; they were inspired to do the list. So many good things are happening because of this movie and I am happy to be a part of something bigger than myself. That's what I want to do for the rest of my life," he explained.

Verástegui has an interesting story. He comes from humble beginnings; he found fame and fortune and then one day he had a spiritual revelation that completely changed the direction of his career.

Born and raised in Xicotencatl, Tamaulipas, a tiny village in Northern Mexico, Verástegui was the son of a sugar cane farmer. Then at age 18, he went to Mexico City to pursue a career in entertainment. He went on to become a singer in the popular Mexican boy band, Kairo, as well as a highly sought-after telenovela star. He was also voted one of "50 Most Beautiful People" by People En Español. 

Verástegi also appeared opposite Jennifer Lopez in one of her most famous music videos "Ain't it Funny!" He was cast as the lead in 20th Century Fox's first ever Latino-driven film, "Chasing Papi" as well as TV gigs for "CSI: Miami, " "Charmed," and "Karen Cisco."

In 2004, he was inspired to transform his image, so he left his agency and management and collaborated with Monteverde and producer Leo Severino to form Metanoia Films, "a company committed to projects that entertain, engage and inspire."

"The idea is how can we become one. ... This world is very divided and our goal as filmmakers is how can we find our Hashimoto, the universal messages of love, hope and faith and acts of kindness that we all have in our hearts, Verástegui said. "I don't care where you are from or what your belief system is, there are a lot of things that unite us as human beings..."

Check out the official trailer for "Little Boy," which hits theaters on April 24, 2015 -- it will be sure to move you.