U.S. HISPANIC
Director Benji López: The teen film Mixtape produced by Jurutungo Films entirely in English for Puerto Rico is key for my transition into the US market
Maribel Ramos-Weiner| 6 de julio de 2022
Benjamin Lopez Director
Mixtape, the first Puerto Rican teen film to be made entirely in English for that market, is produced by Jurutungo Films owned by Rafael Abudo Massó who is the executive producer and was created and directed by Benji López. The executive producer was Yamara Rodríguez and Jay Smith was the scriptwriter who adapted the story.
The film, which premiered in the island’s movie theaters on Thursday, June 2, after its distribution in movie theaters in Puerto Rico, will be offered to streaming platforms. “We have had an offer from HBO and are currently being considered by Disney. We are open to all the platforms, but mainly in the US and in Puerto Rico” detailed López. The film is subtitled in Spanish and has CC for the deaf community.
Mixtape combines drama and comedy and presents a refreshing dynamic between young actors, together with renowned Puerto Rican and Mexican actors. The production company Jurutungo Films, founded in 2012, has made series like Incógnita, Escándalos, Amores que Matan, Pasión de Mil Amores and The Lady of the Camellias.
It includes the performances of Felipe Albors (Súbete a Mi Moto), Didi Romero (In the Heights PR), Adan Allende and renowned celebrities from Puerto Rico and Mexico, such as Braulio Castillo, Fernando Allende, Geraldine Bazán, Wilfred Morales, Alfonsina Molinari, Osvaldo Friger and Junior Alvares.
“Musically and visually the film is very well made. It has a soundtrack based on reggaeton and trap, made by René G. Boscio” comments the director López, who announced there is already a concept for the film to have a sequel and even a series or spin-off if the necessary conditions are met. “It is not in our immediate plans, but may be considered,” he said.
According to López, Mixtape “is key for me because it is the transition into the US market. This work can show my abilities to the US market and is a spearhead for actors like Didi Romero and Felipe Albors. They are two potential stars” he ended.
Abudo Massó explained that this project generated over 200 jobs and was carried out thanks to private investment and with the help of the Corporación de Cine de Puerto Rico. The shooting of the film ended in December 2019, right before the pandemic and it was finally possible to exhibit it in June this year (2022).
