Brownsville Bred, adapted from the SXSW winning short film, opens in theaters September 19th
Brownsville Bred, the coming-of-age drama written and directed by award-winning Elaine Del Valle, has been acquired by Viva Pictures, the independent film production studio and distributor, and is set to be released in theaters nationwide on September 19. Adapted from her award-winning novel and critically acclaimed stage play, Del Valle brings her raw and powerful autobiographical story to the screen in what marks Viva Pictures’ first foray into live-action films.
Celebrated across festivals and industry circles for its authenticity and cinematic power, the Brownsville Bred short-film won the SXSW Audience Award. The feature was named Critic’s Pick and won the only feature award at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. Early screenings have drawn praise for its unflinching honesty, vibrant storytelling, and heartfelt performances, cementing the film as one of the year’s most anticipated independent releases. Del Valle is the recipient of the HBO Latinx Director Award.
“This is a story for anyone who’s ever been told their voice didn’t matter. Brownsville Bred celebrates the resilience, humor, and heart of a Puerto Rican girl from Brooklyn who refused to be defined by her circumstances. I’m proud to share an unapologetically Latina story on the big screen—one that reflects the beauty and complexity of our communities and my personal experience.” — Elaine Del Valle, Writer/Director.
“Brownsville Bred is a bold and beautiful debut for Viva’s newly formed live-action release initiatives. Elaine has crafted a deeply personal and universal story that resonates far beyond its setting, and we’re honored to bring her voice to audiences nationwide. This film represents exactly the kind of authentic, artist-driven storytelling we’re committed to championing.” — Mayank Jhalani, VP Acquisitions, Viva.
In 1980s Brownsville, Brooklyn, Elaine is on the cusp of becoming a teenager. She wrestles with her mother’s resilience, the father she resents, and the chaos outside her window—while discovering her Puerto Rican roots and the courage to forge her own path.
The film stars Nathalia Lares (Sunnyland) “Elaine,” a spunky and imaginative Puerto Rican girl growing up in one of New York City’s most dangerous neighborhoods. The film also features Javier Muñoz (Broadway’s “Hamilton,” “In The Heights”) as her father “Manny,” along with Karina Ortiz (“The Walking Dead: Dead City,” “Orange is the New Black”), Summer Rose Castillo (“Alma’s Way,” “The Equalizer”), Susanna Guzman (Babes, “Manifest”) and Gabriela Amerth (Musica, Anxiety). The film is produced by Leslie V. Cohen, Adrienne Acevedo Lovette, Eddie Frente, Debbie Esko-Gold and Elaine Del Valle.
Brownsville Bred is rated PG-13 and is 94 minutes long. For more information, visit vivafilmco.com.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
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