Help Bring “Rita” to Life

This is the first film written, directed and produced by Christina Ledo; the first film under her company Diamond DNA Productions.

Here is some more about the film, proof of concept and behind the scenes shots!

Rita: A Feature Film Proof of Concept

Logline:
Rita’s allure and presence earned her the title, The Love Goddess, on screen, but off-screen, love proved to be her biggest challenge.

Rita focuses on the enigmatic life of Rita Hayworth, who epitomized the Golden Age of Hollywood with her elegance and striking dance skills, but behind the scenes, Rita faced deep struggles with love and personal fulfillment. This short film not only reflects the charm and sophistication she brought to her roles but also highlights the human side of a woman trying to navigate a life of fame, expectation, and heartache; serving as a proof of concept for the full-length feature Margarita.

Backstory: The night after attending the 2023 Women In Film Honors in November, Christina Ledo was inspired by the powerful women in the room, including Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, America Ferrera, and Celine Song. That energy ignited her passion to create a short film about Rita Hayworth, specifically to highlight her lesser-known Latina heritage. Rita's story is not only fascinating, but many are unaware of the trail she blazed for stars like Marilyn Monroe. After delving deeper into Rita's life, Christina wrote the script, assembled a talented cast of three, and a crew of 20. She secured historic locations, including the Woman’s Club of Hollywood, and completed filming in just two days. Elevating the production further, she even negotiated the use of Charlie Chaplin’s piano for the iconic reenactment of "Put the Blame on Mame." She followed the film through post production, getting in the studio and singing to the song to avoid copyright infringement, she had award winning sound engineers on board and she has completed the film in less than one year.

Why We Need Your Support:

To fully realize Rita as a compelling proof of concept, we are seeking $5,000 in funding. These funds will be used to cover key costs that will help us take this project to the next level:

Secure Synchronization Rights: While the rights have been negotiated an "in perpetuity" deal with Universal Music Group, we need additional support to finalize the licensing for “Put the Blame on Mame”. This song is essential to capturing Rita’s legacy, and without it, we cannot publicly screen the film for over a year.
Marketing & Distribution: There is a targeted marketing campaign to pitch Rita to key production companies and major film festivals. One company in particular, known for its award-nominated period pieces, is at the top of the list. Your support will ensure we can position this short film for success and, ultimately, bring Rita Hayworth's story to a larger audience.

Spread the Word:
If you can’t donate, simply sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and fellow film lovers can make a world of difference. Together, we can bring this story to life and reignite the brilliance of Rita Hayworth for a new generation of audiences. This is more than a film—it’s a celebration of an unforgettable Hollywood legend. By supporting Rita, you become part of a dedicated team that is passionate about honoring Rita Hayworth’s impact on cinema and ensuring her story is remembered by future generations.

Thank you for your belief in this project. Let’s honor the legacy of Rita Hayworth and show the world why her story matters.

With gratitude,
Christina Ledo

Writer, Director, Producer Rita
Diamond DNA Productions

@RealMsLedo/@Diamond.Dna

"Rita"

By Diamond DNA LLC

"Rita"

Short Film to a Feature

Team Members