Quinceañera

Aroview: Accessible indie about a Mexican-American teen approaching her Quinceañera ( "sweet 15"), who is forced to seek refuge with her great uncle and troubled gay cousin after her father discovers she's pregnant (despite insisting that she's a virgin).

Centered on the problems of the two youngsters but also highlighting the gentrification of Echo Park – where white people have moved in, hiked up the rent, and pushed Latino residents out of their own neighbourhood. This is a moving and believable story anchored by authentic dialogue and the stellar performances of the two young actors. If there's one tiny niggle, it would be the modern day “immaculate conception”, which is a scientific stretch and an unnecessary stunt in a film that already explores so many issues with such dexterity.

NZ International Film Festival 2006
Sundance - Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic)