Make sure you’re in El Paso, TX on Sept. 17th if you want to be one of the first to see Rudolfo Anaya’s classic novel, “Bless Me, Ultima,” on the big screen. That’s the day the film adaptation gets the red carpet treatment in The Sun City before premiering nationwide on Sept. 21st. The city marked the announcement on July 10th by awarding Anaya a key to the city and proclaiming Sept. 15th as Rudolfo Anaya Day.
The movie is written for the screen and directed by Carl Franklin (Out Of Time, Devil In A Blue Dress) and follows the story of Antonio Marez’ childhood in a small town in New Mexico after a curandera moves in with his family. It features newcomer Luke Ganalon as Antonio, Benito Martinez (Million Dollar Baby, The Shield) and Dolores Heredia (Rudo Y Cursi) as his parents and Miriam Colon (most famously known as Tony Montana’s mom in Scarface) as the titular curandera.
The author served as a consultant on the film and, according to latinalista.com, is reported to be happy with the production after watching a private screening.
“Bless Me, Ultima” was Anaya’s first novel and is a classic of Chicano literature. It’s also one of Tucson Unified School District’s banned books. No word if the district plans on banning the movie as well. Until it hits cinemas nationwide, you can watch the trailer below:
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