René Pérez, better known as Residente, has begun filming his first movie, 'Porto Rico,' starring Bad Bunny. The artist, who rose to fame with the duo Calle 13, announced the news on his social media.
Through his Instagram stories, Residente shared an image of a clapperboard, which suggested they were filming the first scene of the film, under his direction and with Anthony Dod Mantle ('Slumdog Millionaire', 2008) as director of photography.
The apparent start of production comes shortly after Bad Bunny wrapped up his "Debí tirar más fotos" world tour with two sold-out shows in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The tour included 55 shows in 22 cities.
Weaving a dream
"I've been dreaming of this moment my whole life. I started writing this story many years ago, amidst tours, encounters, disagreements, triumphs, and setbacks. Little by little, I wove this dream," Pérez commented on the project last February on the same social network.
"I tell you it wasn't easy at all, and I think I'm facing the most ambitious project of my entire career, where all the artistic elements come together in the same space," the rapper added at the time.
The feature film, which will mark Residente's directorial debut, boasts a stellar cast including Edward Norton, Viggo Mortensen, and Javier Bardem.
Another debut
The film also highlights Bad Bunny's first starring role and features award-winning Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu among its executive producers.
Co-written by Residente and screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Oscat winner for 'Birdman'), 'Porto Rico' is described as a Caribbean western inspired by true events. According to Variety, the film will address "Puerto Rico's complex colonial history through a visually intense lens."
Perfect Car
The now-director told Deadline in February that Bad Bunny initially expressed interest in taking on a small role in the film, before ultimately becoming the lead. "It makes perfect sense for him to be this character," he said. "It feels right."
And she highlighted on Instagram about Bad Bunny: "As I told him: 'I'm not looking for an actor, I'm looking for someone who feels for Puerto Rico as much as I do and who is as proud as I am when they sing our true anthem'."
