Winner of Discovery Award and Nominated for Best Screenplay (Alejandro Rojas, Juan Sebastián Vásquex)
Q&A with Alejandro Rojas & Juan Sebastian & Carles Torras
Upon their arrival at Newark’s airport with their approved residence visas, Diego and Elena are unexpectedly held and subjected to an interrogation by border agents who insist on a final interview. Testing the couple’s stability, we explore the reality of the US immigration system.
When Diego (Alberto Ammann, Narcos) and Elena (Bruna Cusí, Summer 1993) enter the United States, relocating from Spain in search of better opportunities, they are detained and questioned by the US Border officials. What should have been a routine check becomes a relentless interrogation in search of truth, where the couple’s motives for their immigrant visas are scrutinised and hidden secrets threaten to break up their relationship.
With an efficient build-up that increases the tension and never lets up, first-time feature directors Juan Sebastián Vásquez (also responsible for the cinematography) and Alejandro Rojas expertly put together a taut thriller that makes economical use of the available locations and ably paces all the twists and turns. As the house of cards starts crumbling, Diego and Elena are framed isolated from one another, with Agent Vásquez (the excellent Laura Gómez, Orange Is the New Black) standing between them.
Debuting at Tallinn Black Nights in November 2022, the film has picked up a slew of awards on the film festival circuit. Ultimately, it is a powerful showcase for the two leads: Ammann and Cusí put in extraordinary performances that make you question the mutual trust of their characters and reveal the great lengths people go to in pursuit of the American Dream.
Mickey La Rosa
