Francisco Joel Mendoza confirmed that he has legal documents to make Jenni Rivera's biopic.
During a press conference, the Mexican director presented a document that was signed by Rivera where she authorized the helmer to make her biopic. He stated that four people were present to sign it on December 1, 2012. He added that the planned movie was originally supposed to be a documentary but after her death he decided on a narrative.
Mendoza also took the time to speak out against the family. He said that he did not care what the Rivera family thought about the production because he knew they would be against the movie as they have already noted to the press. He added that the family did not like traditional Mexican films because they had called his movies "video coms." Mendoza also stated that the family had no right to offend his cinema because Rivera's father had once been involved in those films.
At the end of the conference Mendoza sarcastically stated that he did not care if he went to jail for making the film.
Mendoza's project has provoked controversy with the Rivera family. A few months ago the family stated that they were the only individuals who had the rights to make the film and that they did not know whether Jenni had ever met Mendoza. The Rivera family asserted that the deceased singer's sister Rosie never authorized the director to make a movie about her.
Mendoza later responded that he would move forward with his production and that the family's planned biopic would be a fiasco.
Mendoza is known for his work on Mexican regional music videos and has an exclusive contract with Sony Music. He also directed the independent film "El Precio de la Fama o Fanatismo Implacable." Recently he 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 also added that he has a film planned with rappers Don Omar and Daddy Yankee.
The film is slated to begin shooting this summer.