LITERANISTA Dialogue on Multicultural Books, Tech & Life

Literanista August 25, 2006

Princesas

http://ifcfilms.com/

In Madrid, prostitutes Caye (Candela Pena) and Zule (Micaela Nevarez) meet when Zule, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, steals one of Caye’s customers for a lower fee, but when she finds Zule badly beaten in her apartment, they quickly become friends.

Trailer & Clips:
http://movies.go.com/trailer?cid=843887&vid=843888

—————————————————–

Quinceanera

http://www.sonyclassics.com/quinceanera/

Magdalena is the daughter of a Mexican-American family who runs a storefront church in Echo Park, Los Angeles. With her fifteenth-birthday approaching, all she can think about is her boyfriend, her Quinceanera dress, and the Hummer Limo she hopes will carry her on her special day. But a few months before the celebration, Magdalena falls pregnant. As the elaborate preparations for her Quinceanera proceed, it is only a matter of time before her religious father finds out and rejects her. Forced out of her home, Magdalena moves in with her great-great uncle, Tomas, an old man who makes his living by selling champurrado–a Mexican hot drink–in the street. Already living with him is Carlos, Magdalena’s cousin, a tough cholo who was thrown out by his parents. Carlos does not disguise his disapproval of Magdalena’s arrival.

The back house rental where Tomas has lived happily for many years is on a property that was recently purchased by an affluent white gay couple–pioneers of gentrification in the neighborhood. Inevitably, worlds collide when they become entangled in the lives of their tenants. As Magdalena’s pregnancy grows more visible, she, Carlos, and Tomas pull together as a family of outsiders. But the economics of the neighborhood are turning against them. Ultimately, this precipitates a crisis that threatens their way of life.