Vanessa Guillén: Film Biopic In The Works About Murdered Soldier

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. production company Mighty Aphrodite Pictures has secured an option agreement to make an authorised narrative feature drama based on the life and legacy of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén.

Developed in collaboration with the Guillén family, the project will chronicle the life of the young army recruit whose 2020 disappearance and murder at Fort Hood sparked a nationwide outcry and calls for reform within the U.S. military. The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

Guillén had long had the goal of serving in the Army but, after being assigned to Fort Hood, told friends and family of being sexually harassed by a superior. She did not report it officially for fear of retaliation. She would soon be bludgeoned to death by fellow soldier, Aaron David Robinson. Guillén had been missing for more than two months before some of her remains were found buried along the Leon River. Robinson fled Fort Hood after learning of the discovery. When law enforcement tried to apprehend him he fatally shot himself.

The events were previously spotlighted in Netflix’s 2020 documentary I Am Vanessa Guillen and in an ABC 20/20 episode from the same year.

“This is far more than an opportunity to make a film, It’s a responsibility,” said Jorge Xolalpa, founder and CEO of Mighty Aphrodite Pictures, which specialises in projects with a Latinx focus, and who will direct the film. “From the very beginning, our commitment has been to honor Vanessa’s life with honesty, compassion, and authenticity. We are deeply grateful to Mayra and the Guillén family for placing their trust in us. Our promise is to tell Vanessa’s story in a way that preserves her legacy and inspires audiences for generations to come.”

The option agreement was facilitated by Palomera Group and Levy Law PLLC, the team repping Vanessa Guillen’s sister, Mayra Guillén. Mayra Guillén and Alejandra Palomera will serve as executive producers.

Joining Xolalpa on the project is Jolene Rodriguez of Broken English Productions who will produce with Xolalpa. Beyond the Vanessa Guillén film, Xolalpa and Rodriguez have entered into a three-film producing agreement. Xolalpa’s recent credits as director include features Union Station and Lolita, starring Johnny Ortiz, Alexis Vazquez and Eric Roberts.