The Film Collaborative

“This gritty, verite piece…[is] a robust work of self-discovery for two girls at the most awkward and confusing years of their young lives, and a testament to Aurora Guerrero's storytelling prowess.”

— Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter

“Delightful and intimate…a wonderful and accessible glimpse into the Latino experience.”

— Ulises Silva, All Roads Film Project Blogger, National Geographic

“Incredible…Crafted nearly to perfection…[Not a] false note in the piece.”

— Danielle Riendeau, AfterEllen

Read an interview in The Advocate with director Aurora Guerrero

Read an interview in SheWired with director Aurora Guerrero

Moquita y Mari was on indieWIRE's top 15 want-to-see films at Sundance 2012.

“Leave(s) behind a lovely, melancholy impression.”

— Tim Grierson, Screen Daily

“First-time writer-director Aurora Guerrero beautifully captures the fluctuating dynamics of friendship between 15-year-old girls in MOSQUITA Y MARI, a low-budget, high-achieving drama that makes excellent use of locations in Los Angeles’ predominantly Mexican immigrant neighborhood of Huntington Park.”

— Rob Nelson, Variety

MOSQUITA Y MARI National Public Radio!

Watch Aurora Guerrero’s Microsoft Bing Commercial!

Mosquita y Mari

ABOUT THE FILM:

Set in a predominately Mexican, immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, MOSQUITA Y MARI tells the story of two 15 year old Chicanas growing up in H.P. —Huntington Park. When Yolanda Olveros (“Mosquita”) meets her new neighbor, Mari Rodriguez, all they see in each other are their differences. As a sheltered, only-child to her older, immigrant parents, Yolanda’s sole concern is securing her college-bound future. Street-wise Mari hustles to help her undocumented family stay above water. But despite Yolanda and Mari's contrasting approach to survival, Yolanda and Mari are soon brought together when Mari is threatened with expulsion after saving Yolanda from an incident at school involving Yolanda’s boy-crazed friends. Determined to call it even, Yolanda convinces Mari to let her tutor her after school to prove to the administrators that she’s more than a delinquent. Mari and Yolanda forge a friendship that soon proves more complex and sensual than anticipated. Pushed to the edge, Yolanda and Mari are faced with taking hold of their own lives.

2011 | USA | 85 min.

Writer & Director Aurora Guerrero
Producer Chad Burris
Editor Augie Robles
Cinematographer Magela Crosignani
Production Designer Dalila Mendez
Music Ryan Beveridge
Cast Fenessa Pineda, Venecia Troncoso, Laura Patalano, JoaquÍn Garrido, Dulce Maria Solis, Omar Leyva