Gaumont has optioned award-winning author Sandra Cisneros’ landmark, coming-of-age novel, “The House On Mango Street”, to develop a modern-day TV series. The book is a series of exquisitely observed vignettes that are linked through the experiences of a Mexican American teen and the characters that populate her blue-collar Chicago neighborhood. It communicates the beauty, humor, hope, and sometimes harsh reality of the first-generation American experience.
“The House On Mango Street” (Cisneros’ first published novel) is considered a classic of Chicana literature. A bestseller for over 30 years, the novel is required reading in elementary, high school, and universities across the nation and earned Cisneros the American Book Award (1985) in recognition of her outstanding literary achievement from the Before Columbus Foundation, representing the entire spectrum of America's diverse literary community.
“’The House On Mango Street’ is a timeless story that captures the struggles, dreams, and spirit of a young woman who epitomizes the experience of many young women coming of age in America today,” said Gaumont’s President of U.S. Television, Gene Stein. “It’s an inspiring and uplifting story that speaks to the challenges faced by so many trying to find their place in society, and we are honored to be translating such an important narrative for television.”
For many years, Cisneros resisted requests to adapt the book for film and TV. With the current embrace of diverse stories, the explosion of the streaming landscape and the importance of immigration in our national dialogue, Cisneros feels this may finally be the moment to bring “The House On Mango Street” to the screen.
“I write because the world we live in is a house on fire, and the people we love are burning.” commented Cisneros. “Television has grown up in the last twenty years and now is the time to tell our stories.”
Gaumont will produce and serve as the studio for the TV adaptation of “The House On Mango Street”. The project will be overseen by Alexandra Hunter, SVP-Creative Affairs, and Tely Morrison, Manager-Creative Affairs, both based out of Gaumont’s Los Angeles’ office. Recognizing Cisneros unique voice, invaluable perspective and cultural awareness, Gaumont has asked her to be an Executive Producer on the project.
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