LOS ANGELES (April 18, 2011)La Banda Films announced the release of the documentary film, Harlistas: An American Journey, premiering April 2011. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Alfredo de Villa and follows the emotional journeys of real-life Harlistas - Harley riders of Latino heritage - as they seek adventure, camaraderie and achievement of the American Dream.
The documentary is the first of its kind to ever profile Latino motorcycling culture in the United States. The 90-minute film showcases four pivotal stories spanning Los Angeles to New York, the plains of South Dakota, the Pacific Coast and the Grand Canyon. Directed by Alfredo de Villa (Nothing Like the Holidays, Washington Heights), Harlistas: An American Journey brings to life Alfredo's own passion for Latino culture and the iconic American motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson.
"This documentary captures an unexplored terrain: the bond between Harlistas, their motorcycles and their families," said de Villa. "Much more than the traditional historical or fictional narratives, this film charts new boundaries and is as fearless as Harley-Davidson itself."
Harlistas: An American Journey is scheduled to premiere on Telemundo's mun2, the fastest growing bilingual cable network in the U.S. among YLAs (young Latino Americans), on May 27, 2011, with additional airings on May 28 (Uni HD and mun2), July 29 (mun2) and July 30 (mun2). Prior to the network premiere, the film will be available first On Demand and to own via digital download beginning April 21, 2011.
The word Harlista has deep historic and cultural roots originating more than 50 years ago in Latin America among Latino motorcycle riders to proclaim their strong passion for the Harley-Davidson brand and the bonds shared between fellow riders. Being a Harlista is about overcoming obstacles, grabbing life by the handlebars and experiencing the camaraderie of the open road.
"Harley-Davidson has a long-standing history with Harlistas, and we were thrilled to help support Alfredo's vision to create a film that celebrates Latino riders," said Dino Bernacchi, marketing communications director for Harley-Davidson. "We hope that everyone who sees this film feels inspired to take the next step toward following their dreams."