Colombian actor Manolo Cardona stars in the new movie "The Snitch Cartel" alongside Tom Sizemore, Kuno Becker and Adriana Barraza. The film, based on the novel "El Cartel de los Sapos" by author Andrés López, was directed by Carlos Moreno and will premiere in the U.S. on October 18, nearly two years after it was launched in Colombia in Nov. 2011.
"With this movie we wanted to tell a story that has been a part of our past and that we do not want part of our future," Cardona told Efe, according to El Heraldo.
The 36-year-old actor added that "the issue of drug trafficking is a reality that we have seen in America. We cannot cover the sun with one finger and forget about it. We must learn from the past."
"The Snitch Cartel" follows the life of Andrés López, known in the world of drugs trafficking as "Florecita" ("Little Flower"). López wrote the story from prison, reflecting the cruel reality of organized crime, with all its harshness, drama and action, which he experienced first-hand.
Cardona portrays Martín González, also known as "Fresita," the same role he played on "El Cartel," the 2008 Colombian TV series based on the same book. However, the actor claimed the movie is not a "rehash" of the series, but a more comprehensive and complete version.
"This movie is not a summary of the television series, but everything that one couldn't see on the small screen. All the characters that the audience loved are back. But even those that haven't seen the series can enjoy the movie, because the whole story will be there," Cardona told Efe.
The movie was shot in nine cities in different countries, including the U.S., Colombia and Mexico. Its cast also includes actors Diego Cadavid and Pedro Armendáriz Jr.
"The movie is full of action, comedy, suspense. It's a film for Latinos with a very high production level," said Cardona, who also starred in films like "Contracorriente" (2009) and "La Mujer de mi Hermano" (2005), based on the novel by Peruvian journalist and writer Jaime Bayly.
"Acting is my passion, but I also like to produce and one day I would love to direct. I love everything that has to do with entertainment," said Cardona, according to Terra.
"I just finished playing the prince of Portugal in the TV series 'Reign', about the life of María Estuardo, the Queen of Scotland. My career has gone international. There are so many actors, actresses, directors, producers that I want to work with! I feel I still have a lot to do," concluded Cardona.