Launch of Crowdfunding Campaign for Ugly Little Monkeys Documentary, 1st Youth Mariachi Group in U.S.

LOS ANGELES, CA – (LATINX NEWSWIRE) – ULM Productions announced the official launch of the Ugly Little Monkeys crowdfunding campaign through Seed & Spark that coincides with National Arizona Day, which recognizes and celebrates Arizona’s rich culture, people and history. Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson (The Ugly Little Monkeys of Tucson) are part of that history and their story is one that has yet to be told on screen, until now.

The Ugly Little Monkeys feature documentary tells the story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the first youth mariachi group in the U.S. founded in 1964 by Irish Catholic priest, Father Charles Rourke. The name, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, chosen by Father Rourke, although controversial, still remains after 50 plus years and achieved national recognition following performances at presidential inaugurations for Nixon and Ford. The group eventually rose to international fame. Despite all their success, there was a deep, dark, ugly secret that would destroy anyone. However, it was their faith and faith in each other that helped these young men overcome the pain they suffered at the hands of their spiritual and musical leader and it was their will to rise above it that led them to become successful men, musicians and community leaders.

The story behind the film, Ugly Little Monkeys, is five decades in the making. The team behind the project, led by Executive Producer/Producer/Co-Director David E. Valdez and Producer/Co-Director/Writer Enrique Castillo, wanted to share the Changuitos story on film which was inspired by the book, Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned, written by original group member Wilfred Arvizu.

“We just knew we had to tell this story the only way we knew how. What started off as a biopic concept turned into a documentary after interviewing several original members of the group as part of our initial research for the film,” said Valdez, whose father was one of the founding Los Changuitos Feos board members.

Castillo recalls, “After having met many of the early members of Los Changuitos Feos, it’s easy to see how the group became so successful. They’re dedicated individuals who inspire with their accomplishments even after having left the group. It has also been a real pleasure seeing them be totally supportive of each other and watching them joyously interacting and cavorting as they did when they were young.”

The crowdfunding campaign is to raise the final monies for the project which is already 50% complete. The goal is to raise $50K via Seed & Spark. “We have some great incentives for our supporters who donate at least $25 or more,” said Tina Huerta, Co-Writer and Associate Producer. “We need support so that we may continue to tell these stories that educate, inspire and share our beautiful culture and musical legacy.”

“This project is very important to me, especially because I was born and raised in Tucson, where Los Changuitos were our hometown heroes. It’s time their story was told,” added Thelma Don Gutierrez, Ugly Little Monkeys writer and producer.

To donate to the Ugly Little Monkeys crowdfunding campaign, please visit:
www.seedandspark.com/fund/ugly-little-monkeys-los-changuitos-feos-de-tucson.

To learn more about the Ugly Little Monkeys project and to view the teaser, visit: www.uglylittlemonkeys.com.

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