Jenni Rivera's Film Debut, “Filly Brown,” Set for 2013 Release

"She was a uniquely talented woman and an inspiration to millions, especially those of us who were lucky enough to work with her," movie's cast and crew say in a statement.

The shocking death of beloved Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera is still a hard pill to swallow, and it's already been noted that the star had numerous projects in the works, including her first film debut in the independent drama, "Filly Brown."

Last January, Rivera attended the Sundance Film Festival to promote the movie, in which she plays the incarcerated mother of an aspiring rapper who is trying to maintain a relationship with her daughter from behind bars.

The cast, crew, directors and producers of the film have released a statement to E! News on the loss of their costar.

Jenni Rivera remembered by Telemundo colleagues: "She's going to live forever...She's an icon"

"We are shocked and devastated by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague Jenni Rivera. She was a uniquely talented woman and an inspiration to millions, especially those of us who were lucky enough to work with her. Though she'll be remembered as an iconic singer, she was also a powerful actress whose full range of talents the world was just beginning to discover. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her children and family."

Oscar nominee and "Filly Brown" castmate Edward James Olmos said, "The world lost an extraordinary talent in the realm of Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra, who took their singing artistry and became dramatic artists in film and television. Jenni Rivera was destined to surpass any artist that we have ever seen coming from the Mexican American culture. She was just starting. My love to her family, especially her children and her mother and father."

The film is scheduled to release in theaters in the spring of 2013.

Take a look back on Jenni Rivera's life

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