On March 12th director Francisco Joel Mendoza announced that production on Jenni Rivera's biopic would begin in April.
After various speculations that Jennifer Lopez would produce the film, Mendoza announced that he was helming the motion picture. The news comes as a shock after Rivera's sister Rosie stated that she wanted the Hollywood treatment for her sister and Mendoza is a Mexican director.
Joel Mendoza is best known for his work on four Mexican Feature Films. His charisma and sensibilty have led him to successful movies such as the Independent film "EL Precio de la Fama o Fanatismo Implacable." The director also has an exclusive contract with Sony Music for which he has directed music videos with Bobby Larios. Larios stated that he was an incredible director that would go far in the industry.
Mendoza has stated that he would love to work with Lupillo Rivera on a Traditional "Ranchero" film similar to those of Vicente Fernandez and Pedro Infante. He stated that he would love to bring Traditional Mexican film back because it has long been overtaken by Hollywood. He also added that he has a film planned with rappers Don Omar and Daddy Yankee.
Mendoza has also directed "Patrulla 81: The Movie" and "El Grupero-La Muerte de Un Cantante."
Recently, the director appeared on Univision stating that he believed rumored actresses Jennifer Lopez or Angelica Vale could play "La Diva de la Banda." He also claimed that he obtained the blessing of Rivera's family to make the movie and the rights to her name which are registered and protected in Los Angeles.
If the news is true, the name of the actress will soon be announced as production will begin next month.
Before the biopic is released a concert movie is scheduled for release in July and the third season of Rivera's reality TV show "I Love Jenni," will premiere on April 14 on Mun2. The series will show footage of Rivera shot a month before her fatal death. There is also a RIvera English album slated to be released later this year.