Independent Film Festival Boston 2009

Director Peter Bratt in attendance.

Benjamin Bratt (THE CLEANER, THUMBSUCKER, TRAFFIC) stars as Che, a recovering alcoholic trying to distance himself from the world of intimidation and violence that plagues his neighborhood and his past in the San Francisco district La Mission. Raising his son Jesse (Jeremy Ray Valdez), fixing up salvaged cars, cruising the city in classic lowriders, and hanging with his friends help Che stay sober and on the path to redemption––but his character and will are tested when he discovers that his son is gay.

Unable to control the monster he once was, Che knocks Jesse around and kicks him out of the house, forcing his teenage son to question the future of their entire relationship. The cultural and personal betrayal of Che’s super-macho code haunts him, and the only path to righteousness may be his new outspoken and attractive neighbor, Lena (played by Erika Alexander of LIVING SINGLE).

Writer/director Peter Bratt (FOLLOW ME HOME), brother of Benjamin, has crafted a gripping drama that explores the conflicts of the Chicano community, gender identity, and violence. With powerful performances from Valdez, Alexander, and Bratt, LA MISSION delivers an emotional tale of recovery, reformation, and tolerance in the face of adversity.

- Dan McCallum

Screening supported by The Boston Latino Film Festival