Edward James Olmos Developing Several Projects on the Life & Work of Tito Puente

Edward James Olmos is celebrating a Latin music legend.

The 73-year-old Mexican American actor, director, producer, and activist has teamed up with Tito Puente’s familia to bring the story of the legendary Puerto Rican musician to the world in a series of projects, including film, television and VR content.

Edward James Olmos

Known as the “King of Mambo,” Puente was a six-time Grammy winner, and received many other accolades before he died in 2000.

Olmos is working with Puente’s son, Tito Puente Jr., producer/writer Damon Whitaker, music artist/producer David Guzman, and his own son, director/producer Michael D. Olmos, to bring the projects to life.

The Olmos team will be producing the project alongside Whitaker and Guzman, with Tito Jr. advising throughout the process. 

The team is developing a docuseries featuring never-before-seen images and footage from the family’s estate to create a feature film that focuses on Puente’s struggle to bring Latin music to the mainstream. 

A VR musical experience and a tribute album with contemporary artists covering classic Tito Puente songs are also on the pipeline. 

“We are thrilled to finally have the story of Tito Puente come to life, thanks to the vision of Mr. Olmos and his team. The history of Tito Puente through his extensive career and timeless music will be told and shared with fans of all generations young and old,” said Tito Puente Jr. “We hope to inspire audiences around the world with his story and his rich musical legacy. Eddie is a huge fan of my dad’s music and was the one who gave the eulogy at my dad’s funeral.”

Born in the barrios of New York City, Puente served in the military and went to Juilliard on the G.I. Bill, and fought for the rights of his fellow Afro Latin and African American musicians to play alongside him in segregated clubs.

“This will be the greatest Tito Puente experience ever. I want this story to celebrate life and hope, especially in these dark times,” said Olmos. “Tito’s story is timeless because it shows the entire world that you can start from humble beginnings, but through your passion, discipline and hard work — and a great sense of humor — you can still change the world.”

Olmos is best known for his television roles on Miami ViceBattlestar Galactica and Mayans MC, and his film roles in Stand and Deliver, American Me and Selena.

Ryan Guzman to Star in the 9/11-Themed Drama “Windows on the World”

Ryan Guzman is opening a window on th world…

The 29-year-old half-Mexican American actor will star opposite Edward James Olmos in the feature film Windows on the World, a father-son drama about the aftermath of 9/11, according to Variety.

Ryan Guzman

Shooting will begin on July 10 in Mexico and New York City.

Olmos’ son Michael D. Olmos will direct from a script by Robert Mailer Anderson and Zack Anderson.

“Windows on the World” will start in Mexico, where a man watches the news on September 11, 2001, with his family and travels to New York City to find his father, who was working on the top floor of the Twin Towers. The Windows on the World venues were on the top floors of the North Tower.

Guzman rose to fame in Step Up: Revolution and Step Up All In, then starred in The Boy Next Door with Jennifer Lopez, Jem and the Holograms, and in Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some.

Olmos broke out in 1981’s Zoot Suit and 1982’s Blade Runner. He was nominated for a best actor Academy Award for Stand and Deliver and starred in the series Battlestar Galactica and Miami Vice. He is reprising his role as Gaff in the upcoming Blade Runner 2049.

Michael D. Olmos has directing credits on Filly Brown, The Green Ghost, and Bedrooms.