Reviewed at the Regal Union Square Theater, New York Latino Film Festival 2023
New York, Women, Drama, LGBTQIA+, Music, Latinx/Latin American
Directed by: Gabriella A. Moses
Written by: Mariana Rondón, Marité Ugás
Produced by: Sterlyn Ramirez
Cast: Jean Cruz, Scarlet Camilo, Lia Chapman, Xiomara Rodriguez, Richardson Diaz
90 Minutes
BOCA CHICA, Director Gabriella A. Moses’ debut feature film shown at the 2023 Tribeca Film Fest, is set in the Dominican Republic, and cinematographer Micaela Cajahuaringa takes full advantage of the island’s beauty in every scene. Desi, portrayed by Scarlet Camilo, a 12-year-old singer-songwriter, is the film’s main character. The heart of the film lies in Desi’s relationship with her older brother Fran, played by Jean Cruz, as they both try to establish their own musical paths, even while struggling with their own difficult pasts and unknown futures.
Fran resides in New York City and works as a delivery person, keeping this reality a secret from his family who believes he is on the path to a successful music career just like his famous uncle. Meanwhile, Desi still lives at home with her mother and aunt who manage the family-owned restaurant. The siblings have maintained a close bond despite the physical distance, and their reunion takes place when Fran returns home for their cousin’s wedding.
We quickly learn that Desi’s family dynamics are complicated. She is not eager to embrace her budding woman hood which frustrates her mother, played by Lia Chapman. Desi’s mother pushes her to learn that she is “a woman now.” In one scene we see an older male patron of the family’s restaurant make inappropriate sexual comments to Desi after her mother makes her twist and tie her shirt up to expose more of her body.
Director Gabriella A. Moses. Picture courtesy of Tribeca Film Institute
BOCA CHICA exposes the reality of sex tourism as a part of the everyday lived experiences for girls in Desi’s neighborhood. Desi faces real stakes as she tries to build a life for herself outside of the sex trade while facing pressures from outside her family as well as within. Despite these pressures, Desi continues to hone her craft as not just a singer songwriter but also a rapper and in the end of the film Desi is able to showcase her talents by taking the stage at her cousins wedding and performing a song that she wrote.
(Desi’s rap was written by Camilo adding a level of authenticity to her performance). In the film’s climatic scene, Desi and Fran reveal family secrets and speak painful truths.
Despite the gravity and seriousness of the BOCA CHICA’s subject matter, Moses’s directing and the script by Marité Ugás and Mariana Rondón allow each character to maintain a space devoid of judgment. This way the complexities of the characters’ lives and relationships can resonate with the audience.
This nuanced approach provides a more profound and thought-provoking ending to the story.
Click here for J Perez’s Q&A with Director Gabriella A. Moses
J Perez can be reached at J. Perez can be reached at z3phouseestablishment@gmail.com