Merengue Queen's Story Hits Big Screen

Leticia Tonos' latest feature, "Milly, Queen of Merengue," is set to close the 14th Panama International Film Festival on April 12. This bio-musical marks Tonos' return to filmmaking after her Oscar-nominated dramas.

The film chronicles the life of Milly Quezada, a multiple Latin Grammy winner. It details her family's escape from civil war in the Dominican Republic and their resettlement in 1970s New York.

Quezada, alongside her siblings, formed a band and rose to prominence during the Latin music boom, eventually earning the title Queen of Merengue. Her journey is presented as a testament to legacy and perseverance.

Director Tonos emphasized the significance of music in Dominican and Caribbean culture, stating that merengue, once considered low-class, symbolizes national resilience. She chose Quezada's story to highlight not only her musical achievements but also her immigrant experience and the societal machinations she faced.

The film features Dominican-American actress Sandy Hernández Cross in the lead role, selected for her strong interpretative and physical skills. Quezada herself was involved throughout the production, offering insights to ensure authenticity.

Successfully navigating music rights and producing a top-tier soundtrack with collaborators like Allan Leschhorn and Janina Rosado were significant challenges. Choreography and cinematography were developed to advance the narrative, not just for aesthetic appeal.

"Milly, Queen of Merengue" offers an optimistic outlook, aiming to address deeper themes about the challenges facing Latino culture today.