Movie 'VICTOR' Highlights Impact 'Evil Streets' of NY Had on Former Gangbanger-Turned-Preacher
The upcoming movie "Victor" tells the true story of young gang member named Victor Torres from New York whose life was changed by Pastor David Wilkerson and the love of his mother.
"Victor," based on the autobiography Son of Evil Street, is inspired by the true story of Torres, a teen from Puerto Rico who's forced to survive the "dark streets" of Brooklyn, New York, in 1962.
"Enslaved by the power of gangs and an addiction to heroin, Victor (Patrick Davis) must find faith and freedom before he destroys his family and himself. 'VICTOR' tells the redemptive story of the rebellion of a son, the love and faith of a mother (Vidal), and finding the faith to overcome impossible odds," the film's synopsis reads.
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Along with Patrick Davis ("In The Name of God," "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series,") "VICTOR" also stars Josh Pence ("La La Land," "The Social Network"), Lisa Vidal ("Star Trek," "American Horror Story"), Jose Zuniga ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."), Lobo Sebastian ("The Longest Yard," "CSI: Miami") and Haley Ramm ("X-MEN: The Last Stand").
According to BoxOfficeMojo, "VICTOR" had an impressive $3,216 per-screen average in pre-screenings held in Puerto Rico. The film will now hit select U.S. theaters on March 24.
Viewers may recognize Torres' story from the classic 1970 movie, "The Cross and The Switchblade," which shone a light on the impact the late Pastor David Wilkerson made in the lives of the young men gang banging in the rough streets of New York. Wilkerson was a prominent character in the personal life of Torres and his Christian development.
The former gang member-turned-born-again Christian has since dedicated his life to giving hope and healing to those struggling with addiction. In the 1970s, Torres and his wife, Carmen, opened New Life for Youth, to help those struggling with addiction in Richmond, Virginia. They have since gone on to open some of the most successful drug recovery programs in the country, including The Men's Ranch, Mercy House, and Mercy Mom's House. Torres also continues to pastor New Life Outreach International Church.
The film "VICTOR" will be shown in New York City, Richmond, Virginia, San Marcos and El Paso, Texas, and Brooklyn, New York, where the story is set. Additional cities will be added in the weeks following.
"We were compelled to help share this powerful story and are confident that Victor's story of redemption will give hope to both those personally struggling with addiction, and those who have a loved one who has fallen away," Chris Bueno, president of Ocean Avenue Entertainment, said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.
Rosalinda Rivera, associate producer and daughter of Torres, added, "With the growing opiate addiction epidemic growing in America, this story sadly reflects much of current culture. 'VICTOR' is a story of hope — that there is a way out. You can overcome issues surrounding addiction."
Rivera is also involved in her father's ministry and is keeping her father's passion alive by serving as executive director at New Life For Youth.
For more information about the film "VICTOR," click here.
