The film industry’s support office at the Ministry of Tourism, “Oficina de Soporte a la Industria Cinematográfica,” is assisting in the making of a film about the life of Cacique Enriquillo, the first rebel of the Americas. The office is also assisting in the preparation of a mini-series for television on the life of the Dominican playboy Porfirio Rubirosa.
Arturo Rodríguez Fernández, who is in charge of the film support office, recently explained that the film on Enriquillo is a co-production involving France, Spain, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It will star Puerto Rican singer Chayanne in the role of Enriquillo and Mexican actress Thalia in the role of Mencía.
Other performers are Sarita Montiel, a Brazilian actress, Sonia Braga, Edward James Olmos, Martin Sheen and Javier Bardem and Michelle Piccolo. The filming will begin in September-October and will feature background music by merengue composer and star performer Juan Luís Guerra. There is also the possibility that the costumes will be designed by Dominican Oscar de la Renta.
For the mini-series on Porfirio Rubirosa, it is said that Anthony Quinn will play the role of the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.