Audiences are getting their first look at “Porto Rico,” a film being described as an “epic Caribbean western.” As of Feb. 18, it has been confirmed that René Pérez Joglar, a Puerto Rican rapper known as Residente, is making his directorial debut with this movie. Following a memorable Super Bowl LX performance, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, commonly known as Bad Bunny, will be starring in the film. This will be Bad Bunny’s first lead acting role, as he’s had three supporting roles in the past. Acting alongside Bad Bunny will be Edward Norton, Javier Bardem and Viggo Mortensen. The film was co-written by Residente and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris. Through their passionate approach, their film aims to communicate a powerful message and embody a story based on true events.
The movie has been in development since 2023 and will be produced by Residente and Erick Douât through 1868 Studios. Live Nation Studios, Class 5 Films and other strategic partners are backing the movie as well. The team also includes Alejandro González Iñárritu, a Mexican Oscar-winning director, who is the executive producer alongside Scott Budnick and his label 1Community. International sales for the movie are represented by UTA Independent Film Group. With no shortage of support from all angles, the project is confirmed to be in the works. Despite no official release date, the announcement has given audiences a glimpse of what to expect.
The film will partly follow the true story of revolutionary José Maldonado Román, or “Águila Blanca,” who fought against Spanish colonialism in the late 19th century and early 20th century. He was known for his efforts toward acquitting Puerto Rico from colonists. Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain in 1493 and remained under Spanish control until it was ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898. Román was a crucial figure in the resistance toward Spanish colonialism during the war with the U.S. Román’s story is significant to tell because he sought freedom and independence for the island against both Spain and the U.S. “Porto Rico” will be a film that follows a story critical to Boricua history; it is a movie about Puerto Ricans told by Puerto Ricans.
There is an abundance of excitement surrounding the announcement of this movie. Amidst the announcement of the film, Residente shared in a press statement that, “This film is a reaffirmation of who we are, told with the intensity and honesty that our history deserves.” As a 29-time Latin Grammy Awards winner and four-time Grammy Awards winner as part of the musical duo Calle 13, Residente has augmented his directing experience through most of his music videos, including the award-winning “Atrévete-Te-Te” and “La Perla.” He has also directed short films such as “Quiero Ser Baladista” and “Bajo y Batería” as well as his self-titled documentary “Residente.” “Porto Rico” will be his first fiction feature film.
The release of this movie will mark a major milestone in Puerto Rican history as it challenges many narratives and highlights an authentic story on a global scale. In the same press statement, Residente stated, “I have dreamed of making a film about my country since I was a child. Puerto Rico’s true history has always been surrounded by controversy.” His words reaffirm that this movie will pay homage to his island and his people. “Porto Rico” will reclaim cultural identity and honestly represent Puerto Rican history.
