It’s a Gloria-ous new role for Jaklyn Bejarano.
The Mexican actress has joined the cast of Santa Rita Film Co.’s La Gloria, a drama exploring the humanity and political abstractions surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bejarano came aboard following a nationwide casting search in Mexico.
Bejarano will star opposite David Morse and Bill Heck in the film.
Set in South Texas, the film – whish is being shot in the region, follows the story of Carson Tidwell (Morse), an embittered and isolated rancher who mistakenly shoots a young, pregnant migrant girl named Irena (Bejarano) who is crossing his property. Confronted with his actions and threatened with a criminal investigation, Carson must decide whether to help Irena recuperate on his ranch or face criminal charges led by his son (Heck), an agent for the U.S. Border Patrol.
Christopher Young’s script is based on the personal experiences of Joseph Todd Walker, who is directing, in his feature debut.
The film is being produced and financed under the Santa Rita Film Co. banner led by producers Houston Hill and Ty Roberts. Sharri Hefner and George Sledge are also producing, with Greg McCabe, Allen Gilmer and Matt Harvey executive-producing for Santa Rita.
“My childhood was spent on my grandparent’s ranch along the U.S.-Mexico border,” Walker told Deadline, of the personal history informing the film. “We are filming on location at their ranch at the very place that inspired this story.”
“We are proud to support this film and shed light on a story that is so relevant to today’s headlines and the continued challenges faced across the U.S./Mexico border,” remarked Hill, with his Santa Rita Film Co. partner Roberts adding that “it was important for us to film on location in Texas to keep the authenticity of the story.”
This will be Bejarano’s first major film project.
