San Juan native David Barrera announces new film set to shoot in the Rio Grande Valley

San Juan native and actor David Barrera is bringing a new film project to the Rio Grande Valley.

Barrera announced in a social media post on Sunday that pre-production has started on “El Jardin,” a film expected to shoot in the region this summer.

The project is described as a supernatural crime story centered on a narco boss who escapes a Mexican federal prison and ends up in a safe house where he is unable to outrun the forces haunting him.

The production is currently seeking filming locations across the Rio Grande Valley, including film-friendly cities and access to potential sites.

The team is also looking for local crew members, including a sound recordist, sound mixer, music composer, production designer, special effects and makeup artist, and stunt coordinator.

Barrera, a PSJA ISD alum, has appeared in television and film projects including “Selena: The Series,” “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” and “NYPD Blue,” according to the production announcement.

The project’s visual references include “Sicario,” “The Devil’s Backbone,” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” with the film described as a mix of criminal underworld, ghost story, and character study.

The announcement adds to a growing push to position the Rio Grande Valley as a filming location for independent productions, commercial shoots, and larger entertainment projects.

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