Factual America examines America through the lens of documentary filmmaking. Guests include Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning documentary filmmakers and producers, their subjects, as well as experts on the American experience. Find out more about the current and upcoming documentaries on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Sky Documentaries and other platforms directly from the creators. Whether we discuss true crime, music, burning social and political topics, history, or arts, Factual America is your #1 documentary film podcast. Factual America is produced by Alamo Pictures, a London- and Austin-based production company that makes documentaries about the US from a European perspective for international audiences.
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episode 106: Menudo: Forever Young - The Rise and Fall of the First International Boy Band
Menudo was arguably the first international boy band and one of the most successful. Starting from humble roots in 1970s Puerto Rico, the group conquered the pop world in the 1980s and 1990s.
As the boys grew older and their voices started changing, they soon discovered that they were easily replaceable – by a steady stream of 12- to 15-year olds waiting in the wings, ready to chase their dreams of stardom.
Such success came with an unnecessary price. As revealed by former members, the boys were often overworked, neglected, emotionally and physically abused. Separated from their parents, they also became easy targets for sexual predators.
Menudo: Forever Young (2022), HBO Max’s four-part docuseries, brings to life the uplifting, as well as tragic story of Menudo. Award-winning filmmakers Angel Manuel Soto and Kristofer Ríos co-directed the docuseries. Rios, who is also co-executive producer, joins us to discuss the allegations made in the film, and how the band still has a fond place in the hearts of millions.
Watch the episode at https://factualamerica.com
“What we were attempting to do is celebrate Menudo, but also have everyone understand the cost the band members paid to be in the band.” – Kristofer Ríos