Description

Runtime: 10 Min
Release Date: 2009
Written, Directed & Edited: Rafael Flores

Jale is Spanish for “pull”, but also is Chicano/Mexican slang for “work”. The title also refers to the push and pull of immigration that draws Mexicans to the U.S. This film is an attempt to create a metaphor of the experience of day laborers and the Chicano community through the eyes of a Mexican day laborer named Fulano. When Fulano is hired to dig a grave he learns about the duplicity of North American policies and attitudes towards undocumented labor.

The director conducted six months of research in San Francisco’s Mission District and spoke with various undocumented day laborers to create an original story that explores this unique social perspective. In an attempt to create a new form of Chicano Third Cinema, the director decided to employ real day laborers as untrained actors and shot the entire film in true guerilla fashion.

Awards & Screenings:

Golden Palm Award - 2010 Mexico International Film Festival
Best Student Film – 2010 Burbank International Film Festival
Honorable Mention & Official Selection - 2009 International San Francisco Latino Film Festival.
Official Selection - 2009 Seattle International Film Festival
Official Selection - 2010 International Sacramento Film Festival

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