EXCLUSIVE
It’s been 50 years in the making and Academy Award-nominated Edward James Olmos has just signed on as Executive Producer for the Ugly Little Monkeys, a documentary based on the true story of the original Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, pioneers of the youth mariachi movement in the US. The good news comes as the Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign passes its halfway mark to reaching its fundraising goal of $50K. ULM Productions has already raised $28K since it launched on June 21, 2021.
“I’m extremely proud to be a part of this project and helping to tell such an important story. It’s time everyone learns about the original Los Changuitos Feos and their contribution to the Mexican-American experience in this country,” said Olmos.
The Ugly Little Monkeys feature documentary tells the story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the first youth mariachi group in the U.S. founded in 1964 by Irish Catholic priest Father Charles Rourke. The name, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, chosen by Father Rourke, although controversial, still remains after 50 plus years, and generations of Changuitos later, and achieved national recognition following performances at presidential inaugurations for Nixon and Ford. The group eventually rose to international fame. Despite all their success, there was a deep, dark secret that would destroy anyone. However, their faith and support for each other helped these young men overcome the pain they suffered at the hands of their spiritual and musical leader. Their will to rise above it led them to become successful men, musicians, and community leaders.
Father Rourke and three of the Original Changuitos Feos de Tucson
“We are thrilled to welcome Edward to the ULM Productions team,” said David Valdez, Ugly Little Monkeys Executive Producer. “He is a valuable asset to our team, assisting in tapping into all the resources available to us as independent filmmakers.”
Olmos’ career in entertainment spans over 50 years of working in the business. In that time, he created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artist endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. His dedication to his craft has brought him attention across the industry and with audiences worldwide.
Fundraising efforts to complete production on the film are on track and continue to grow momentum as supporters look for opportunities to get involved with the project. However, the project still needs community support to reach the finish line. While the crowdfunding campaign offers some enticing incentives for donors, there will also be some FUNdraising events both online and live, like a benefit Happy Hour that will allow fans to gather safely for a Meet & Greet with original Changuitos Feos in Tucson. A benefit concert is also in the works with producers eager to reveal details once the final talent line-up is confirmed.
The story behind the film, Ugly Little Monkeys, is five decades in the making, inspired by the book, Bless Me Father For You Have Sinned, written by original group member Wilfred Arvizu. The team behind the project, led by Valdez and Producer/Co-Director/Writer Enrique Castillo, wanted to share the Changuitos story in their documentary All the latest information on these events and the crowdfunding campaign, and to donate visit: www.uglylittlemonkeys.com
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