Santa Mesa

New York-based filmmaker Ron Morales makes a striking feature debut with this beautifully filmed coming-of-age tale of a young Filipino American who must return “home” after the death of a loved one. Young Hector loses his mom during a critical time in his life as an impressionable young teen. With no other family connections, he is taken in by his estranged grandmother in the Philippines. Unable to speak Tagalog and communicate with his grandmother, Hector strug­gles in this unfamiliar home (and an even more unfamiliar country), and soon falls into the wrong crowd with some local street kids.

Things seem to turn around for Hector as he befriends Jose, an older photographer who takes him in and begins to mentor him. Simultaneously he also finds comfort in a developing friendship and crush with Sel (Maria Lopez), as they commiserate over issues of isolation at home. His worlds begin to collide as he notices that Jose has a mysterious connection with one of his random photography subjects. His attempt to bridge their connection backfires, and begins a tragic chain of events which threaten his most important friendships in the Philippines.

A wonderfully directed feature with excellent performances from the entire cast, Santa Mesa convincingly captures the beauty and awkwardness of cultural isolation and teen angst amidst the tender sadness of losing a loved family member, and marks a surprisingly mature debut for Morales.