Director/writer/actress and producer Anike Tourse stars in America’s Family, her debut feature with the production company CHIRLA Liberty Film. It was made in partnership with professional artists, activists, and community members and produced by CHIRLA. The film has a limited theatrical release in several markets across the United States through Thursday, November 30. Angelica Salas, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Executive Director and the executive producer of America’s Family stated in a release, “With this theatrical and digital release, we aim to touch hearts and minds and keep fighting until no family is torn apart by America’s cruel and unjust immigration laws.”
This docudrama follows the multicultural Díaz Family in California. One morning, Marisol (Anike Tourse, “Girlfriends” TV series) opens the door to law enforcement looking for her eldest son, Jorge “Koke” Diaz (Richard Cisneros, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” “Mayans M.C.” TV series). It is not until they enter the home that they disclose they are ICE ready to take him for deportation to Mexico, then also arrest her while still in her bathrobe. Her husband, Jorge Diaz (Mauricio Mendoza, “Reboot,” “Resurrection Blvd” TV series), a baker, is from a Central American country with some documentation. He seeks a protective sanctuary in a local synagogue where he provides bread from his bakery, and Rabbi Tova (Jennie Fahn) knows him well. Their two American-born children, Emiliano (Emmanuel López Alonso, “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels,” “Fantasy Island” TV series), a young attorney, and his teenage sister with a medical condition, Valentina Diaz (Jailene Arias, “The Good Place” TV series), do all they can to reunite them.
At its core, the film honors authentic immigrant perspectives inspired by real stories and actual events, uniting professional artists, community champions, and activists. Actor Ricardo Cisneros brings his experiences to the screen, bridging fiction with reality. Actor Emmanuel Lopez Alonso, in the attorney role, launches a crusade in the courts to reunite the family. Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) member Jailene Arias, as Valentina, sparks a social media movement that unveils the systemic challenges of unjust immigration laws.
All the actors are to be commended for their performances, no matter how small or large their role is in the film. The protagonists, as well as several actors in supporting roles, give authentic and dynamic performances to give the script an elevation that some may describe as overly dramatic.
Cinematographer Christian Misael Palma Montaño does an excellent job capturing the happy and emotional times and the dramatic in close shots or action.
Raúl Pacheco (soundtracks of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Dear John) and Ozomatli guitarist/lead vocalist) He is the composer and soundtrack producer, and his unmistakable talent is heard throughout the film. I look forward to hearing about the release of the soundtrack soon.
Cast (additional): Aida Rodriguez (The Comedian, Aida Rodriguez: Fighting Words), Angie Kim (“Kombucha Cure” TV series), Ulises Chávez; Toni and Ryan Urquidi, among others.
All limited theatrical release screenings (check your local theater listings) will open with the documentary short film by sister directors Doménica and Constanza Castro. We Are Here premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. America’s Family made its world premiere at Dances with Films last year and received both the Audience Award for Narrative Features and the Grand Jury Award for Narrative Features.
America’s Family will be available for rent or purchase on all digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms in North America, as well as on DVD and Blu-Ray starting December 5, 2023, through Freestyle Digital Media. https://www.americasfamilymovie.com/
Running Time: 103 minutes
Source: CHIRLA Liberty Film, Mixed Operations, Freestyle Digital Media