Gaumont moves into House on Mango St

LA- and Paris-based producer Gaumont is developing a TV adaptation of Sandra Cisneros’ novel The House on Mango Street.

The novel comprises a series of vignettes that are linked through the experiences of a Mexican American teen and the characters that populate her blue-collar Chicago neighbourhood.

The House on Mango Street has been a bestseller for more than 30 years, but Cisneros has resisted previous requests to adapt her work for the screen. Now, however, the author believes the explosion of the streaming landscape and the importance of immigration in international dialogue mean the time is right.

“I write because the world we live in is a house on fire, and the people we love are burning,” Cisneros said. “Television has grown up in the last 20 years and now is the time to tell our stories.”

Gaumont’s Alexandra Hunter will oversee the project alongside Tely Morrison, with Cisneros on board as an executive producer.

Gaumont president of US television Gene Stein said: “The House on Mango Street is a timeless story that captures the struggles, dreams, and spirit of a young woman who epitomises the experience of many young women coming of age in America today.

“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 honoured to be translating such an important narrative for television.”