Directed by Erick Stoll & Chase Whiteside
USA | 2018 | Documentary | 76 min | Spanish w/English subtitles
Film Source: Dogwoof
Sponsor: Andrea Rogers
Filmed in Colima, Mexico, this warm and charming documentary evokes both laughter and tears in its story of three mismatched brothers whose lives revolve around caring for their 93-year-old grandmother, América. Realistic about the fragility and decline of América and the difficulties of meeting her needs, the film portrays her resilience and dignity, as well as the differences between the brothers. Beguiling imagery reflects the brothers’ adolescent yearnings and the adult realities that confront them. The brothers are a handsome trio of street entertainers with boyish charm. They cavort on unicycles, practice circus tricks and walk on stilts. Especially winning is the portrait of the youngest brother, Diego, who sings songs and showers América with kisses, bolstering her courage. Shot by the American filmmakers Erick Stoll and Chase Whiteside over a three-year period, América presents an intimate family portrait and a close-up on old age seldom depicted on film. ~ AM