Hollywood’s favorite Latina maid is about to get a lesson in feminism — from the mouth of her vagina.
In “Valentina,” a short film currently raising money on Kickstarter, the title character is a cleaning lady obsessed with — what else? — being clean. Set in the near future, a heat wave and power outage shatter Valentina’s creature comforts, forcing her to confront her own filth. Especially one part of her body that is most susceptible to heat and sweat. According to filmmaker Mary Angélica Molina, the film explores “what happens when she’s confronted with this part of her body that she has either ignored or tried to keep under control.”
Read More: Mark Duplass’ Pet Project ‘Unlovable,’ from Web Star Charlene deGuzman, Launches Kickstarter Campaign
Molina, who spoke to IndieWire by phone, is a twice-recognized Sundance fellow (for screenwriting and creative producing) who cites Luis Buñuel as an influence.
In “Valentina,” a short film currently raising money on Kickstarter, the title character is a cleaning lady obsessed with — what else? — being clean. Set in the near future, a heat wave and power outage shatter Valentina’s creature comforts, forcing her to confront her own filth. Especially one part of her body that is most susceptible to heat and sweat. According to filmmaker Mary Angélica Molina, the film explores “what happens when she’s confronted with this part of her body that she has either ignored or tried to keep under control.”
Read More: Mark Duplass’ Pet Project ‘Unlovable,’ from Web Star Charlene deGuzman, Launches Kickstarter Campaign
Molina, who spoke to IndieWire by phone, is a twice-recognized Sundance fellow (for screenwriting and creative producing) who cites Luis Buñuel as an influence.
- 10/10/2016
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
On the heels of the 39th edition of the Toronto Int. Film Festival (Sept 4-14), Ifp’s Independent Film Week is where a plethora of fiction, non-fiction and new this year, web-based series from the likes of Desiree Akhavan and Calvin Reeder find future coin. Sectioned off as projects at the very beginning of financing to those that are nearing completion, there happens to be tons of Sundance alumni in the names below. Among those that caught our attention we have Medicine for Melancholy‘s Barry Jenkins’ sophomore feature, produced by Bad Milo!‘s Adele Romanski, Moonlight is about “two Miami boys navigate the temptations of the drug trade and their burgeoning sexuality in this triptych drama about black queer youth”. Concussion‘s Stacie Passon digs into the thriller genre with Strange Things Started Happening. Produced by vet Mary Jane Skalski (Mysterious Skin), this is about “a woman who has...
- 7/24/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Chicago – Some art house films are political polemics disguised as personal stories. “Entre Nos” is not one of them. Though its DVD includes a PSA on immigration reform, and comes packaged with a label exclaiming, “One of Michael Moore’s 20 ‘Best Pictures of 2009,’” the film itself does not have a message to preach. It’s a tale of people rather than ideas, and is all the more effective because of it.
“Entre Nos,” which translates to “Between Us,” marks an impressive feature debut from Paola Mendoza, who serves as co-director, writer and lead actress. The film is largely inspired by the true story of Mendoza’s own mother, a Colombian immigrant who brought up her two children in New York City, after her husband abandoned the family. It’s a simple premise, yet the emotional struggles of the characters are complex, and thankfully not spoon-fed to the audience. Though the...
“Entre Nos,” which translates to “Between Us,” marks an impressive feature debut from Paola Mendoza, who serves as co-director, writer and lead actress. The film is largely inspired by the true story of Mendoza’s own mother, a Colombian immigrant who brought up her two children in New York City, after her husband abandoned the family. It’s a simple premise, yet the emotional struggles of the characters are complex, and thankfully not spoon-fed to the audience. Though the...
- 7/26/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Paola Mendoza, an immigrant from South America, had a tough time growing up in New York City. Her real-life story provides the basis for "Entre Nos," which she co-directed and co-wrote with Gloria La Morte. She's also the film's star. Mendoza gives a heart-tugging performance as Mariana, a loving wife and mother of two young children whose husband one day picks up and moves to Florida, with no plans to return. Then Mariana is thrown out of her apartment, forcing her, her son...
- 5/14/2010
- by By V.A MUSETTO
- NYPost.com
The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is coming to a close and the award winners were announced Sunday night in a presentation hosted by Fliff president Gregory von Hausch.
Among the big winners was "Entre Nos," the new immigrant drama which picked up 4 awards, including The Seashell Award for Best Film of the festival, Best Actress in a Foreign Film for star Paola Mendoza, who also co-wrote and co-directed the film, The Special Jury Award for Debut by a Child, and The President's Award for Best Feature Film. "This film is close to our hearts and was a labor of love. We couldn't be more thrilled," said co-director and writer Gloria La Morte.
"Punching the Clown," a comedy about a satirical singer/songwriter, scored Best American Indie Film, Best Actor in an American Indie for star Henry Phillips and Best Director of an American Indie for Gregori Viens.
"Trucker," starring Michelle Monaghan and Nathan Fillion,...
Among the big winners was "Entre Nos," the new immigrant drama which picked up 4 awards, including The Seashell Award for Best Film of the festival, Best Actress in a Foreign Film for star Paola Mendoza, who also co-wrote and co-directed the film, The Special Jury Award for Debut by a Child, and The President's Award for Best Feature Film. "This film is close to our hearts and was a labor of love. We couldn't be more thrilled," said co-director and writer Gloria La Morte.
"Punching the Clown," a comedy about a satirical singer/songwriter, scored Best American Indie Film, Best Actor in an American Indie for star Henry Phillips and Best Director of an American Indie for Gregori Viens.
"Trucker," starring Michelle Monaghan and Nathan Fillion,...
- 11/10/2009
- icelebz.com
Philippe Lioret’s “Welcome” received the $100,000 grand prize for best dramatic feature at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Gabriel Noble’s “P-Star Rising” took the best documentary feature prize, while Dean Yamada’s “Bicycle” (Jitensha) earned the Vison Award for best short film.
Ed Catmull, president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, was honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award.
Crystal Heart Awards were presented to Hilla Medalia’s "After the Storm”; "Bicycle" (Jitensha); Dag Hoel and Havard Bustnes’ "Big John"; Rene Bo Hanson's "The Eagle Hunter’s Son”; Gloria La Morte and Paola Mendoza's "Entre Nos"; Irene Taylor Brodsky's "The Final Inch”; Zvi Spielmann's "For My Father"; Melody George's "Marbles With Thoreau"; "P-Star Rising"; Debra Zimmerman's "Rough Aunties"; Greg Barker's "Sergio"; Omri Givon's "Seven Minutes in Heaven"; Christian Sonderby Jepsen's "Side by Side"; Jeremiah Crowell's "Small Collection"; and "Welcome.
Gabriel Noble’s “P-Star Rising” took the best documentary feature prize, while Dean Yamada’s “Bicycle” (Jitensha) earned the Vison Award for best short film.
Ed Catmull, president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, was honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award.
Crystal Heart Awards were presented to Hilla Medalia’s "After the Storm”; "Bicycle" (Jitensha); Dag Hoel and Havard Bustnes’ "Big John"; Rene Bo Hanson's "The Eagle Hunter’s Son”; Gloria La Morte and Paola Mendoza's "Entre Nos"; Irene Taylor Brodsky's "The Final Inch”; Zvi Spielmann's "For My Father"; Melody George's "Marbles With Thoreau"; "P-Star Rising"; Debra Zimmerman's "Rough Aunties"; Greg Barker's "Sergio"; Omri Givon's "Seven Minutes in Heaven"; Christian Sonderby Jepsen's "Side by Side"; Jeremiah Crowell's "Small Collection"; and "Welcome.
- 10/18/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paris -- The 35th Deauville American Film Festival will kick off with a romantic romp through the ages when New Line's "The Time Traveler's Wife" opens the festival on September 4th, organizers said Tuesday.
The 10-day ode to Us cinema has added several films to its previously announced lineup, including Competition titles Jonas Pate's "Shrink" starring Kevin Spacey and Miguel Arteta's "Youth in Revolt" with Michael Cera, Justin Long and Ray Liotta.
Josh Goldin's Matthew Broderick-starrer "Wonderful World" will premiere in the territory out of competition alongside Richard Linklater's "Me and Orson Welles," Paola Mendoza and Gloria La Morte's "Entre Nos" and Us summer blockbuster Neill Blomkamp's "District 9."
Documentaries "Facing Ali," "Outrage" and "William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe" will all premiere in the "Uncle Sam's Docs" sidebar.
Andy Garcia, who will be in town for an homage to his acting career, will give a masterclass on Saturday,...
The 10-day ode to Us cinema has added several films to its previously announced lineup, including Competition titles Jonas Pate's "Shrink" starring Kevin Spacey and Miguel Arteta's "Youth in Revolt" with Michael Cera, Justin Long and Ray Liotta.
Josh Goldin's Matthew Broderick-starrer "Wonderful World" will premiere in the territory out of competition alongside Richard Linklater's "Me and Orson Welles," Paola Mendoza and Gloria La Morte's "Entre Nos" and Us summer blockbuster Neill Blomkamp's "District 9."
Documentaries "Facing Ali," "Outrage" and "William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe" will all premiere in the "Uncle Sam's Docs" sidebar.
Andy Garcia, who will be in town for an homage to his acting career, will give a masterclass on Saturday,...
- 8/18/2009
- by By Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At the midway point of the Tribeca Film Festival most covering it are walking around with a look of relief as this year's slate of a tolerable 85 films has made it a less strenuous undertaking to get a good grasp of what the fest has to offer (and it's nice to step in an air conditioned theater during this heatwave). Here are four titles that have stuck out for me. Entre nos A tour-de-force performance by Paoloa Mendoza, who also shares writing and directing credits with editor Gloria La Morte, this very personal tale follows a Colombian woman's struggle to provide food and shelter for her two kids after the father leaves them. With no source of income Mariana (Mendoza) sells empanadas on the street and collects cans, but when she can't...
- 4/29/2009
- by Jason Guerrasio
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The best thing about the Tribeca Film Festival, for me, is always the chats with the unknown or first-time directors. Unlike stars doing the 10th junket for their summer blockbusters, the new directors seem genuinely excited to be doing press for their film, and anxious to get you to see it and tell all your friends about it and buy 100 tickets on opening night. And while co-directors Paola Mendoza and Gloria La Morte weren't pushing opening night tickets into my hand (which I appreciated), they did give me a vivid sense of their deeply personal film, Entre Nos. How personal is it? Mendoza is actually playing her own mother, telling the story of what she did when she emigrated to the United States and unexpectedly found herself a single mother. "This is where I come from," Mendoza said. "This is my story, and I don't think that people who see...
- 4/27/2009
- cinemablend.com
Editor’s Note: This is one of dozens of interviews, conducted via email, with directors whose films are screening at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival in the narrative and doc competitions as well as the Discovery section. The festival takes place April 22 - May 3. “Entre nos” (Discovery) Directors: Paola Mendoza, Gloria La Morte Primary Cast: Paola Mendoza, Sebastian Villada Lopez, Laura Montana Cortez, Andres Munar, Sarita Choudhury, Anthony Chisholm Screenwriters: …...
- 4/22/2009
- indieWIRE - People
I know it looks dire as it's 28% lighter (at least so far) and minus an artistic director, but no fear, there's still more to come, and with what's been announced theirs some interesting sounding stuff, especially a film we wrote about briefly called Accidents Happen. Also premiering is the comedy Stay Cool and the Danish film Original, along with the North American premier of The Exploding Girl which we also wrote about.
Check the narrative features, world documentary, and discovery lineups after the break!
World Narrative Feature Competition
A compelling cross-section of bold creative visions from every corner of the globe come together in this year’s World Narrative Feature Competition. Presenting a diverse array of unique voices, this international film collection includes premieres from a wide range of directors, such as U.S. indie veterans the Polish brothers and Tony-nominated Conor McPherson, as well as exciting newcomers. Together, these...
Check the narrative features, world documentary, and discovery lineups after the break!
World Narrative Feature Competition
A compelling cross-section of bold creative visions from every corner of the globe come together in this year’s World Narrative Feature Competition. Presenting a diverse array of unique voices, this international film collection includes premieres from a wide range of directors, such as U.S. indie veterans the Polish brothers and Tony-nominated Conor McPherson, as well as exciting newcomers. Together, these...
- 3/10/2009
- QuietEarth.us
by Jason Guerrasio (November 7, 2008) [Editor's Note: indieWIRE's monthly production report looks at independent films in various stages of production. If you'd like to tell us about a film in production for future columns, please contact us.]
In November's edition of indieWIRE's production column, Jason Guerrasio profiles five new films in various stages of production. This month's group includes Tara Wray's "Cartoon College," Raul Sanchez Inglis's "The Company Men," Paola Mendoza and Gloria La Morte's "Entre Nos," Stephen Burke's "Happy Ever Afters" and Sinohui Hinojosa's "The Last Job: Redemption."...
In November's edition of indieWIRE's production column, Jason Guerrasio profiles five new films in various stages of production. This month's group includes Tara Wray's "Cartoon College," Raul Sanchez Inglis's "The Company Men," Paola Mendoza and Gloria La Morte's "Entre Nos," Stephen Burke's "Happy Ever Afters" and Sinohui Hinojosa's "The Last Job: Redemption."...
- 11/7/2008
- by brian
- Indiewire
IndiePix Studios, the production arm of Web-based distributor IndiePix, has invested $700,000 in its first slate of five films.
Among the slate is a co-production with the Film Fund of the government of Colombia. "Just Between Us," which began shooting Tuesday, is a drama about a woman and her two young children coping with life in Queens, written and directed by Paola Mendoza and Gloria Lamorte.
The slate also includes "P Star's Redemption," a nonfiction look at a single father and his 9-year-old daughter, directed and produced by Gabriel Noble and Marjan Tehrani; "21 Below," a docu set in Buffalo, N.Y., by Samantha Buck; "Slap and Tickle," a Depression-set drama written and directed by Nicole Quinn; and "The End of America," directed by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Sterns, which examines freedom, dictatorship and democracy in the U.S.
Among the slate is a co-production with the Film Fund of the government of Colombia. "Just Between Us," which began shooting Tuesday, is a drama about a woman and her two young children coping with life in Queens, written and directed by Paola Mendoza and Gloria Lamorte.
The slate also includes "P Star's Redemption," a nonfiction look at a single father and his 9-year-old daughter, directed and produced by Gabriel Noble and Marjan Tehrani; "21 Below," a docu set in Buffalo, N.Y., by Samantha Buck; "Slap and Tickle," a Depression-set drama written and directed by Nicole Quinn; and "The End of America," directed by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Sterns, which examines freedom, dictatorship and democracy in the U.S.
- 8/19/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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