X500

Three lively, realistic portraits of teenagers finding their way in a new life. Three intertwined stories about migration and transformation which, in the words of director Juan Andrès Arango, create a dialogue between different parts of the continent of America.
Following the death of her mother, Maria from Manila moves to Montreal. Her grandmother, a successful Filipino migrant, has Maria’s future all planned out, but she quickly tires of her straight-laced school. Colombian Alex, deported from the United States, is back in the port of Buenaventura, telling tall stories of his gangsta lifestyle in Los Angeles. Local criminals show interest and in no time he has to live up to his reputation. In Mexico City, David moves in with his cousin in a run-down neighbourhood. He finds work and makes new friends in the local punk scene, but his aggressive cousin won’t be happy until David has joined the local gang. Skilfully edited, poignant second film from the director of La Playa D.C. (IFFR 2013).