Luis Valdez, screenwriter and director of the original film, will be the producer of this new film
The Bambathe famous 1987 film that tells the life of the legendary Ritchie Valenswill return to the big screen in a new version. Luis Valdezscreenwriter and director of the original film, joins as executive producer to this joint initiative between Much More Media y Sony PicturesThe script will be written by Oscar-nominated writer, Jose Riveraknown for his work in Motorcycle Diaries y On the way.
The original film, produced by Columbia Pictures and starring Lou Diamond Phillipschronicles the rising career of Valens, a 17-year-old Mexican-American who went from working in the fields to becoming a rock star with hits like “Donna,” “We Belong Together” and of course, “La Bamba” itself. The band The WolvesGrammy-winner performed Valens’ songs in the film, combining his hits with classic 1950s numbers.
Lou Diamond Phillips was cast as Ritchie Valens in the original film. The cast for the new film is currently unknown REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
The Bamba Not only was it nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Film, but it was also nominated for Best Song of the Year at the 1988 Grammys. In 2017, the film was included in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress of the United Statesan honor given to films of cultural, historical and/or aesthetic importance.
“Along with the rock and roll classics of Ritchie Valens“My 1987 biopic ‘La Bamba’ has stood the test of time with grace,” Valdez said. “And yet, Richard Valenzuela’s short but impactful life and career continues to inspire new generations of fans around the world. With the discovery of new biographical details, A new cinematic look at his eternal seventeen years can only add to his immortal legend”.
In 2017, “La Bamba” was included in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress of the United States.
The project will be produced by Javier Chapa to Much More Media. Executive producers also include Sherrese Clarke Soares, Phillip Braun, Robert Muñoz, Simon Wise, Vincent Corderoy Bruce Barshop. Sony Music Mexico will be a creative partner on the music for this revamped production.
“We are honored and excited to retell the story of Ritchie, an incredible young Latino figure who inspired so many people with his music and prodigious talent,” Chapa said. “Our goal is to honor and celebrate the original film in the same way that Luis Valdez and the filmmakers of ‘La Bamba’ made it a classic.”
Richard Steven Valenzuela Born on May 13, 1941 in Pacoima, California, Ritchie Valens was a pioneer of rock and roll and one of the first Latin stars of American popular music. Of Mexican descent, Valens grew up in a humble environment, developing a great interest in music from a young age.
Ritchie Valens, whose real name was Richard Valenzuela, died at the age of 17 in a plane crash where music stars Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper were also present.
At the age of 16, he began to gain local recognition with his band The SilhouettesHis talent did not go unnoticed, and in 1958 he signed with Del-Fi Records. It was then that he adopted the stage name Ritchie Valens. His hits included “La Bamba,” a rock version of a Mexican folk song, and “Donna,” a ballad dedicated to his high school sweetheart.
Valens’ career was meteoric but unfortunately short-lived. On February 3, 1959, known as “The Day the Music Died”Valens died in a tragic plane crash along with Buddy Holly y The Big BopperHe was only 17 years old. Despite his brief career, Ritchie Valens left an indelible legacy in the history of rock and roll, influencing generations of Latin musicians.
