“Entre Nos” is a captivating Indiepix film about the struggle that Colombian immigrant, Mariana and her two kids Gabriel and Andrea face after being abandoned by their father and husband, two weeks after arriving to the United States. It is merely one story among millions about coming to America and having to start from scratch.
The film which was inspired by a true story and filmed around Queens (in my neighborhood!) in 18 days, won over ten international awards when it was released back in 2009. It follows Mariana’s journey, along with her two children as she tries to keep her family afloat in a new country whose language she does not speak. After being left behind by her husband, and kicked out by the landlord Mariana and her kids walk around Queens collecting recyclables to exchange for money. The family sleeps on park benches and scrounges for food in hopes that they will be able to one day find a stable shelter. “Entre Nos” speaks to all audiences---regardless of language, race and background. At its core, the film is about the drastic measures that immigrants go through in order to achieve basic needs and of course, to protect their families.
What I found extraordinary about the film is that the fact that Paola Mendoza—the protagonist of the film actually co-wrote, co-directed and starred in the film…which was based on her mother’s story when she first came to the United States. Mendoza dedicated the film to her mother, who only agreed to give the rights to her story away if Mendoza herself would portray her.
The story of Liliana (Mendoza’s mother) is truly inspiring—however, I find it more influential that Mendoza herself was able to create a film that is not only special to herself and her family, but to audiences worldwide. Having independent films such as “Entre Nos” are particularly important to Latinos of all backgrounds, but specifically to those such as myself who are studying film and television. It is a reminder that there are stories of all kinds waiting to be told and that they are definitely possible to create—even if you do have to write, direct and star in them yourself.
Here's the trailer for the film:
Watch below a clip of the star of the film with her mother and brother (taken by Mario Diaz who blogs about Latino Films!):
ENTRE NOS INTERVIEW from Mario Diaz on Vimeo.
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