Dominican Director Leticia Tonos Talks Milly Quezada Biopic ‘Milly, the Queen of Merengue,’ Headed For London Screenings Market

by

In the lively biopic “Milly, Queen of Merengue,” the vibrant Dominican merengue sensation Milly Quezada is showered with praise. This electrifying film about music is scheduled to premiere at the London Screenings Market towards the end of this month.

Due to the tumultuous civil war in the Dominican Republic, Quezada’s family was compelled to migrate to the vibrant Latin neighborhood of Washington Heights in Manhattan. This move coincided with a growing demand among the diaspora for traditional music.

The hope-filled spiritual work chronicles the singer’s life story, starting from her youth and early days with Milly, Jocelyn, and Los Vecinos, moving on to her challenging battle with depression that eventually led to a triumphant return as a solo artist, garnering several Latin Grammy awards and solidifying the worthy, regal title she continues to uphold today.

or

This hope-infused spiritual piece narrates the singer’s life journey, from her teenage years and initial collaboration with Milly, Jocelyn, and Los Vecinos, through a difficult struggle with depression that culminated in a powerful comeback as a solo artist, earning her several Latin Grammy Awards and maintaining the well-deserved, royal title she proudly holds to this day.

Under the guidance of acclaimed director Leticia Tonos, born in Santo Domingo, the movie portrays the grit, determination, and rage that propel a Latin singer’s ascent, all while navigating outdated social norms and an industry predominantly ruled by men. This film was among those submitted by the Dominican Republic for consideration in the Best International Feature category at the Oscars.

Sharing the tale of a beloved artist, often called the ‘Queen of Joy’, was something I couldn’t help but delve into. Unlike many musicians dealing with drug issues or identity crises, Milly’s struggle resonates more broadly, as she grapples with a challenge that feels familiar to many,” I shared with EbMaster.

She’s working hard to grasp her unique self and her relentless urge to challenge the status quo in a world that clings tightly to its established ways. Ordinary as anyone else, young Milly Quezada is a familiar face in Washington Heights – yet her aspirations don’t align with the typical expectations of her humble, war-scarred Dominican roots. In these challenging times when our world is grappling with old and fresh wounds, we need narratives like hers – tales that inspire us to resist conformity and remain faithful to our hearts, even when the world seems to oppose us.

The project is being executive produced by Quezada, Tonos, and Línea Espiral Producciones (based in Santo Domingo), along with Rose Marie Vega, CEO of RM Vistar (a Los Angeles-based development and distribution company). Vega, who is highly respected in the industry, has personally referred to this film as a labor of love.

Vega shared that her motivation for women’s projects stems from various life roles: being a daughter, a working mom, a partner, a friend, and a creator. She wants to tell our stories – stories that empower and motivate women, and she continues to seek out tales that strike a chord with multicultural, global communities. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of portraying the resilience and drive so characteristic of Latin culture.

As a passionate cinephile, I yearn for a movie that stirs hearts, encourages smiles, and even gets us dancing. This film is a reflection of the vibrant Latin culture I was immersed in, growing up in the heart of downtown Los Angeles amidst families who bravely fled oppression in search of a secure haven to nurture their loved ones. I aim to share uplifting tales about Latinos I’ve come across – individuals who journey to this land to work diligently, contribute through their taxes, and make a positive impact on society. Milly embodies the spirit of determination, staying true to her convictions, putting in the hard work required, and steadily progressing towards her dreams – one step at a time… because as she demonstrates, ‘Yes we can!’

The movie, penned by Tonos and Junior Rosario (“The Last Wife”), artfully combines flashbacks with whimsical musical interludes for a touch of humor, highlighting Quezada’s powerful, dominant vocal performances. Her voice soars above the genre’s typical discordant beats and brass, with each lively tune underscoring that music has a healing and unifying power, binding us together while pushing us forward.

As I ponder upon the current zeitgeist, it seems that identity has become a central focus for many of us. To be honest, I find myself caught up in this obsession too. Yet, there are moments when I question if we’re conflating identity with individualism. While identity serves to unite us, individualism can potentially sow discord, and I witness this dynamic unfolding constantly.

Milly Quezada’s merengue music, in my opinion, embodies the essence of the Caribbean. You could lose yourself in its rhythm without fully grasping that the lyrics narrate a tale as heart-wrenching as an ancient Greek epic. The charm lies in this paradox, and I firmly believe that merengue helps us connect with our identity, bypassing the individualistic aspects – it allows our rational minds to momentarily rest, giving way for our emotional selves to take charge.

The emotional and motivational homage showcases Sandy Hernandez, a Dominican-American actress renowned from “The Roar of the Butterflies,” portraying Quezada. Notably, she captures the essence of the fiery personality convincingly. Alongside her, Juan Carlos Pichardo, Raider Diaz, Jalsen Santana, Braulio Castillo, and Cindy Galán make up the rest of the talented cast.

Or, more casually:

This touching tribute stars Sandy Hernandez (famous for “The Roar of the Butterflies”) as Quezada, perfectly bringing the fiery spirit to life. The cast is completed by Juan Carlos Pichardo, Raider Diaz, Jalsen Santana, Braulio Castillo, and Cindy Galán.

Both versions aim to convey the same information in a clear and engaging manner.

Tonos found it truly enjoyable to observe Sandy Hernandez’s transformation during our auditions. With each passing layer, she demonstrated an impressive array of talents suitable for a musical lead role. Beyond being an exceptional actress, she possesses the charisma, grace, and distinctive blend of Dominican confidence and sophistication that were crucial in portraying someone as remarkable as Milly Quezada,” Tonos shared.

Instead of focusing on the tale of an icon, the musical serves as a tribute to the hardships endured in pursuit of lofty aspirations. Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in America, Tonos sees potential for significant payoffs from their struggles.

What defines the American Dream today? For many, it’s no longer about attaining the position of a tech company CEO; although it’s worth noting that numerous individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean have indeed achieved this. Instead, the American Dream holds a more basic significance for most immigrants: being able to walk safely home after work or earning a wage that ensures a comfortable standard of living. Over time, this dream has shifted significantly from its initial conception, and unfortunately, it’s become a nightmare for some. I remain optimistic that it can still be realized, but we must prepare ourselves to adjust to the evolving dynamics of the pursuit. After all, Latinos have shown great adaptability in the past, and our resilience is truly extraordinary.

Read More

2025-02-06 18:50