Filmed in the Langston Hughes projects of Brownsville, "Brownsville Bred" tells the story of family, generational poverty and hope.
“'Brownsville Bred' is told from an urban-American Latina perspective sorely missing in our entertainment,” Elaine Del Valle, the film's creator, writer and director, said. “Through it, I share my vulnerabilities, and, through my artistic light, provoke thought into the realities of generational poverty that trap so many young people of color.”
The film is a coming-of-age story, adapted from Del Valle’s critically acclaimed one-woman stageplay and award-winning novel.
Told through a series of vignettes, the film depicts a father-daughter relationship, revealing the inherent traps of generational poverty and the connective tissue that unites us all -- hope.
“When you grow up on a city block that houses 3,000 other residents, you understand that our stories are all interconnected and valuable,” Del Valle said.
The cast and crew of "Brownsville Bred"
Ten-year-old Bronx native, Summer Rose Castillo, plays the film's lead. Castillo is a winner of the Imagen Impact Award for her role in the title character of PBS Kids "Alma's Way."
Broadway star Javier Muñoz joins Castillo as the film's co-lead. Muñoz hails from East New York and is known for his many years in the title role of "Hamilton" on Broadway.
Additional cast members include Susanna Guzman from "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," Karina Ortiz from "The Walking Dead," Jean Pierre Gonzalez from "Hamilton," Kevin Chacon from "Jessica Jones," Neo Vela from "Alma's Way" and newcomer, Kimora Cuadrado.
Producers of the film include Del Valle, alongside Leslie Cohen, Adrienne Acevedo-Lovette, Debbie Esko-Gold and Eddie Frente.
The film has earned several industry awards, including SXSW, Catalyst Stories, Seriesfest, and DTLA. The film is also in contention for the Lynn Shelton ‘Of A Certain Age’ Award.
“It takes a village,” Del Valle said. “I am so grateful for the support of my producers, cast, crew, family and the 150 Foundation.”
The creation of "Brownsville Bred" is supported by grants from the 150 Foundation and the Sundance Institute.
A Hometown Premiere
"Brownsville Bred" will premiere on Oct. 28, as part of the 26th annual Urbanworld Film Festival. Urbanworld is a five-day festival that showcases narrative and documentary features, short films, web originals, music videos, spotlight screenings, conversations and live-staged screenplay readings.
The film will premiere at 7:45pm at the SVA Theater located at 333 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. For additional information, click here.
