19th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival Presents:
U.S. Latino Showcase
America
dir. Sonia Fritz
(2011, 95 min., Puerto Rico, Spanish w/ English subtitles)
In order to escape a violent boyfriend, America (Lymari Nadal) and her daughter escape to the hustle and bustle of New York City, a far cry from their beach-side Caribbean village in Puerto Rico. In her new and strange locale, America befriends a group of nannies from various ethnic backgrounds, gaining a new found sense of purpose and family. But her dangerous past is always waiting to pop up, and America must confront the demons she’s worked so hard to transcend in order to secure a safe future for her daughter. Powerful and provocative, America features a medley of Latino stars, including the great Edward James Olmos, and an incredible lead performance by talented newcomer Lymari Nadal. Will screen in Narrative Competition.
Mamitas
dir. Nicholas Ozeki
(2011, 110 min., USA, English)
When cool guy Jordin (EJ Bonilla) gets suspended from school for insulting a teacher, his charming and cocky facade is brought into question by Felipa (Veronica Diaz), a smart and serious-minded fellow student who can’t stand his outlandish swagger. After an antagonistic introduction, the two form an unlikely friendship that forces each to question their preconceived notions about adolescence, social standing, and impending adulthood. Directed by first-time filmmaker Nicholas Ozeki and filmed on location in Echo Park, CA, this coming-of age romance announces the arrival of major new talents, both in front of and behind the camera.
Mosquita y Mari
dir. Aurora Guerrero
(2012, 85 min., USA, English)
A budding friendship between two Chicana high school students in the Huntington Park district of Los Angeles offers the chance for first-time director Aurora Guerrero to explore the complexities of modern adolescent life. Yolanda is a star student whose only wish in life is to make her family proud, while Mari has just moved to town with her undocumented family. Together, the two form a bond that both confuses and delights them in equal measure. This fresh and tender coming-of-age story premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
Under My Nails
dir. Ari Maniel Cruz
(2011, 104 min., Puerto Rico/U.S.A., English and Spanish w/ English subtitles)
Solimar (Kisha Tikina Burgos) is a Puerto Rican woman in her mid 30’s who lives in the Bronx, New York and works in a nail salon. She becomes obsessed with the violent sexual practices of her new neighbors, a Dominican man, Roberto (Ivan Camilo), and his Haitian-Dominican wife. One day Solimar witnesses a brutal act that spirals her life into a dark abyss, a place where voyeurism and desire mix like oil and water. Ari Maniel Cruz’s intense thriller explores the lasting consequences of fear and psychological trauma. |
Edward James Olmos in America.
Pedro Armendariz Jr. in Mamitas.
A scene from Mosquita y Mari.
A scene from Under My Nails.
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