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Film Adaptation of Award-Winning Chicano Novel to Debut at Hastings Museum

Based on the controversial, award-winning Chicano novel by acclaimed author Rudolfo Anaya, BLESS ME, ULTIMA is a turbulent coming-of-age story about a young boy, Antonio (Luke Ganalon), growing up in New Mexico during World War II. When a mysterious curandera (healer) named Ultima (Miriam Colon) comes to live with his family, she teaches him about the power of the spiritual world. As their relationship grows, Antonio begins to question his strict upbringing by his parents (Dolores Heredia & Benito Martinez). Through a series of mysterious and at times terrifying events, Antonio must grapple with questions about the nature of divinity and his own destiny.

The film, BLESS ME, ULTIMA, is based on the provocative award-winning novel by celebrated author, Rudolfo Anaya. Larry Gleason, Arenas President of Distribution, said, “We are thrilled that audiences have fallen in love with this film and its rich characters and story.”

“We firmly believe that this wonderful movie, which is based on a book that is celebrated in the American Southwest, can be embraced by the entire country,” said producer Mark Johnson, “The story of BLESS ME, ULTIMA speaks to all of us.”

The film BLESS ME, ULTIMA was written and directed by Carl Franklin (“Devil in a Blue Dress”), the executive producer is Christy Walton, producers are Mark Johnson, Sarah DiLeo and Jesse B’Franklin. The film is based on the novel by Rudolfo Anaya and stars Miriam Colon, Luke Ganalon, Dolores Heredia, Benito Martinez, Castulo Guerra and Joaquin Cosio.

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 106 minutes

Tickets: $5.50

Showtimes: Fri., May 3, 7 pm; Sat., May 4, 4:30 pm; Sun., May 5, 5 pm