Puerto Rican artist René Pérez (Residente) has begun filming his directorial debut, 'PORTO RICO,' starring fellow artist Bad Bunny, with a cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Edward Norton and Javier Bardem. Residente announced the start of production Monday via an Instagram story showing the clapperboard for the first scene, directed by him alongside cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle ('Slumdog Millionaire,' 'Snowden').
Residente said in February he had dreamed of making a film about his country since childhood, calling Puerto Rico's true history one 'always surrounded by controversy.' The film, co-written by Residente and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris ('Birdman'), is a Caribbean western inspired by real events addressing Puerto Rico's colonial history. Although centered on Puerto Rico's origins, it is being filmed in the Dominican Republic due to a dispute between the production and Puerto Rico's tax incentives.
Bad Bunny, who ended his 'DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS' tour in Puerto Rico on August 23, takes his first leading film role after appearances in 'Bullet Train' and 'Caught Stealing.' Residente and Erick Douât produce via 1868 Studios; Norton, Bill Migliore and Michael Bederman produce for Class 5 Films.