vidagirl.com

There’s a little film out there that’s making a lot of noise in just a few theaters. It features an all-Latin cast, most of whom mainstream America has never heard of, and hits upon an extremely tender topic, most everyone is aware of.

The movie is “Under The Same Moon” and in one month, with little to no advertising, has gone on to out-gross films such as the widely promoted MTV Film, “Stop-Loss,” which was released only a week prior. But, that’s not even the most astounding stat. “Stop-Loss” is showing in over 1,300 movie screens across the U.S., while Fox Searchlight’s “Under The Same Moon” can be seen in only 450 movie theatres.

The film focuses on the very touchy subject of illegal immigration in a compassionate, human, and powerfully loving way. It stars Kate del Castillo as Rosario, an illegal domestic living in Los Angeles who sends money back home to her 9-year-old son and mother in Mexico, hoping to provide a better life for them. When her mother passes, her son Carlos, played by Adrián Alonso, crosses the border to find Rosario. The unpredictable journey to be with his mom and Carlos’ newfound, remarkable friendship with migrant worker Enrique (Eugenio Derbez) is the film’s heart and soul. In her first feature film debut, director Patricia Riggen gingerly gives the controversial subject of illegal immigration a human side, depicting one fictionalized family’s personal struggle to be together. The film was so well received at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, it received a standing ovation at its completion.

Written by Ligiah Villalobos, “Under The Same Moon” features renowned norteño band, Los Tigres Del Norte, on the film’s soundtrack. Check your local listings and support this touching, important film.