Aurora (2023) Movie Script
I don't want to go but I have to.
No. I have to go.
I can never say no to you. Why?
How are you?
How are you?
You are taking a material
that will last you a lifetime.
There you go.
How does it look?
Fine, thank you.
Let's see. You can roll the sleeves up
when you are working or at home.
It's not fair to jump!
Yes, because there is a ramp.
Grandma, it's the ski!
It's not ski, it's swype.
You are such a bonehead!
Stop fighting already!
David, don't be that way.
He is smaller than you.
Don't be a bully.
And you, sweetie,
Don't you see he is just like your dad?
Answer your aunt's call!
Hi mom!
No aunt, it's me.
How are you sweetie?
Fine, auntie.
Turn the camera on sweetie.
Ok.
Hello mommy.
How is everything?
Fine, fine.
Dealing with these kids
who misbehave.
And Alex?
He will be here soon.
You look thin
What do you mean thin!
Here, water makes me fat.
Did Alex get a job?
No.
No, he didn't.
What's wrong mom?
Stop it already, go to the room!
They are terrible!
They get bored inside the house.
It's normal.
Did you go to the doctor?
Tell Alex to take you.
Mom, that's why I pay
your private insurance
every month.
Aurora, sweetie.
I need to tell you something,
but, please, don't get mad.
Alex had to spend that money
on a business,
and it didn't go through.
What?
Are you all crazy or what?
Aurora, please
Don't fight with your brother, ok?
He is not a bad person.
He wants to do things right,
but he is unlucky.
Both of you are so irresponsible.
If you get sick
you can't go the doctor.
What do you feel, what's wrong?
Nothing.
A small thing in my leg
but it will go away.
How long have you been sick?
Why haven't you said anything?
Hi mom!
Talking to New York?
That's right.
Take a look.
She sent this to the kids.
They are beautiful Aurora.
Are they from the boutique?
Yes, they gave me a little discount.
Give our thanks to Mrs. Rebeca.
I thought they were my kickz
What do you mean kickz
I sent a little something to Jason,
for his birthday.
And a little something for David.
Please take a rain check
for the shoes Alex.
It's cool!
On the contrary, thanks, right?
As mom says, they are beautiful.
Mom told me she is feeling ill.
Am I feeling ill?
Why do you say that, mom?
Not you, she does
Are you not feeling well mommy?
Let's see what is wrong with you.
Don't play dumb,
I know you haven't paid
the private insurance.
That's right. Mom and I were talking
about that,
and we concluded
that it is a waste of money.
That is useless.
You do know the system.
You are not the one who decides
That money was for mom,
not for your business!
How so? What business?
I wasn't born yesterday.
Do nothing. Don't work.
Do nothing.
Hang out with your friends
Do drugs
With all due respect, Aurora,
you can't tell me what to do.
Stop!
Stop fighting.
I am going to my room.
Mom, I love you so much.
I'll send the money.
Do you hear?
God bless you, my love.
Remove this Alex
Hello.
Hello
I want to send money to Colombia.
What city?
Bogota.
How much?
- $280 dollars.
- Ok.
Thank you.
Why don't you go see her?
She's your mom
Well, yes. I have thought about it
But I can't.
Here.
Thank you.
Do you know that if I go,
I can't come back?
What, don't you have papers?
Baby, here that's very serious.
No, I do have papers.
The thing is that
they are not up to date,
I have to get it done,
but I haven't had the time.
Are you up to partying tonight?
I am tired but
I have a date with Adolfo
so I have to go.
So, what do you want?
We'll meet at Antony's and go from there.
MIGRANT SERVICES
SUPPORT, TRAININGS
MIGRANT RIGHTS.
Mrs. Rebecca
I need to ask you a huge favor
Of course, what is it?
My mother is sick and
She needs to go to the doctor.
Oh, no are you serious?
Yes.
We need to pay for the appointment
Medicine
All that
Of course!
I will pay for the coat
I owe you.
- Don't you worrydon't think
- Nono
Don't worry about that.
I do worry about that.
I worry since I have to ask you
for an advance
and I'm so embarrassed.
It's Ok. Don't worry.
You can count on it.
Hello.
- Hi.
- Hello.
Nice to meet you.
- Esteban.
- Nancy.
Hi Nancy.
In Spanish please.
I don't understand.
We almost didn't make it
- Nice meeting you.
- Nice meeting you.
- Esteban.
- Aurora.
- Is it Aurora?
- Yes, Aurora.
Evidently Paisa but
- Where from?
- From Medellin.
Are you Colombian?
I love Colombia.
Yes, that's nice.
I'm sorry.
She's making fun of you.
If that's the case, I feel at home.
- What are you going to drink?
- A beer?
Let's take your first picture
in New York City.
Let's do it!
Let's get the flow going
Let's party. Let's go baby!
- Me? Let's do it!
- See you in a bit.
Thank you!
Is everything Ok?
Yes
Why?
You seem sort of down.
No.
I really wanted to you.
I really missed you today.
Lots and lots.
Today was a weird day.
No matter. I am here with you.
- Let's sit down for a little bit.
- No, one more!
You got tired!
I am a little tired but it's Ok.
Hey, Nancy, when did you get here?
No, I was born here, in New York.
- Is that right? A gringa?
- Yes, a gringa.
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
But
My parents are Latino.
So...
This neighborhood seems
the same as the one there
Because it is the same people.
All of those Latinos, who are bad
And pervertedjust like that.
Before meeting Mora,
I had no idea how to dance Salsa.
Say what? You didn't know before or after.
Didn't you see me?
Esteban, sweetie, please do something...
Take Aura, right now
to the dance floor
She does know how to dance!
No way!
Of course, dude!
Obviously!
- Yes?
- Yes!
You are making me nervous.
Take it.
Let's go.
Delicious.
Do you have your papers
to work here?
No, not yet.
First, I want to...
Legalize my status here.
Chillbe cooland that's that.
I don't want to get deported.
Isn't that right?
No, I don't think sonot in Queens.
You won't have that problem.
You can take it easy.
What are you talking about, sweetie?
If it happened before,
it can happen again.
Do you remember?
Of course.
Do you remember?
It can happen again.
I'm telling you.
Let's not get too serious.
Let's not worry.
I have met a bunch of people
who don't have a green card,
and they have a nice life.
They work.
They have a family.
In other words,
they live a full life.
That's not true
I would like for you Esteban,
to tell us the story you told me,
on our way here.
Are you sure? Mario's story?
Mario's story.
Get on with it!
Mario Alberto Montoya Restrepo.
That guy is not my homie.
That guy is a lot older than me.
That guy used to have great kickz.
He only wore them at home
To keep them sharp.
It was the 90s
Middle of the 90s.
Mario had a cousin
who used to write to him,
From here, from New York.
Dude, this is so great, and so on.
Come over, you have to visit here.
Mario was fond of everything
that was gringo.
He wanted to come.
You could see him,
every single Sunday in the arcade.
That guy had style.
The guy was lots of fun.
He would tell his cousin often
to send for him.
The consulate in Medellin was closed.
What did he do?
He went to Bogota.
He made it there.
But, in Bogota,
he was really scared.
No one was getting a visa.
That's the way it is.
They just say no.
And you're done!
You waste all the paperwork,
you had to go through
You waste all that money
you had to pay for the process.
You have to get there, unwavering,
sure of yourself, in front of the official.
You have to face any denial,
any rejection.
You have to be firm.
Destiny has been tough on this guy.
But he is stubborn as a mule,
and more capricious than fate.
Two of his cousin's friends
were waiting for him.
A couple of true homies.
But here he was. That's right!
In crazy city.
The city that never sleeps.
When he got to the cousin's house,
they told him he wasn't there.
That he was traveling.
And he went like, no way dude
They even told him:
It's all good. No worries.
Relaxdo as you please
Don't do this to me!
That's what the idiot said
He didn't come carrying drugs.
But the apartment,
where he was staying
There were more than
2 kilos of blow.
Mario was simply bait
Those guys had to give someone up
And Mario was perfect.
That's why they brought him
So, what about the other one
The cousin
Well, he was not really his cousin.
He was a guy everyone
called 'cousin' and that's it!
Aurora Maria Rodriguez.
She doesn't speak English.
She's asking
if you want some water.
No, thank you.
Don't you worry.
Almost nobody speaks English here.
It is very weird
Most of them come to the United States,
not to live the American dream,
but the Latin-American dream.
I don't have anything against them.
On the contrary,
I work to help them.
But everything would be easier if
They would wish to blend
By learning the language.
Well...
What brings you here.
Even better, what is the problem.
Well, precisely, I am here because
I have a problem.
Which problem?
I don't have my papers in order.
How long have you been
in the country?
It is going to be six years.
And, after six years,
you want to get your papers in order?
Yes.
Very well.
There are two types
of undocumented immigrants.
Illegal
and undocumented immigrants.
Illegal are those who cross over
through the hole into the country.
Is that your case?
No.
Of course not!
You got here,
with a three-month tourist visa.
And when your time was over,
you went running to the airport.
But, to your misfortune,
the plane didn't wait for you.
You had no other option
but to stay 6 years in the country.
Alex will help you connect
I'll walk you up to here.
Go, go. May God bless you.
Amen.
I am going to miss you.
Are you happy?
Yes, a little nervous.
Go, go before you miss the flight.
Take care of yourself.
Go my love, go.
So, little sis, are you nervous?
So... When are you
going to take me with you.
I don't know Alex.
I'll gather the money and,
will send for you as soon as I can.
That's so cool.
Alex asked for a doctor's
appointment.
We will go tomorrow.
Did he leave you alone mom?
He won't take long.
Mom, tell me,
what exactly do you feel?
I feel a fatigue that doesn't go away.
And that pain in the leg.
Why don't you go lie down
for a little while?
Why are you sitting there?
Because I'm tired of lying down.
Mom, has Alex already paid?
Do you know who woke up
in the middle of the night,
as it used to happen to you?
Jason.
Do you know,
that it has not happened to me here?
God bless.
Mom, did Alex pay or didn't he?
Are you really going to take him
over there?
Mom
Not even I have my papers in order.
Then,
why don't you tell him the truth?
I have not been able.
It's not that easy.
Stop stalling
and answer my question.
Did Alex pay or didn't he?
Yes, he did pay.
Fine, let me see the receipt.
No,
I'm not going to look for it.
I'm very tired. Do you know what?
I'm going to listen to you.
I'm going to rest a little, ok?
May God bless you. We'll talk later.
Fine. Take care of yourself mom.
May God bless you.
Hello.
What's up!
What are you doing here?
What happened?
Is something the matter?
No.
Is something the matter with you?
I have to go.
Freaking papers!
Can we have a coffee?
No.
You whore!
Witch!
Calm down!
Don't touch me!
Did you see what she did to me?
Calm down!
I'm going to report her!
Stupid whore!
You're going to leave my country,
you piece of trash!
Let go of me!
Let's Talk.
Let go of me!
Calm down!
Take it easy.
How long ago have you been
cheating on me with that floosy?
I have never deceived you.
We are only friends.
Don't lie to me! Don't lie to me!
We are friends.
You were here yesterday!
I don't get it.
You are not well in the head.
Excuse me?
I want you to take her out
of my house today.
No, mom, I will carry it
Alex, wait!
You don't know where you're going!
Mom, take a look
What?
Go, go knock over there.
Good morning, may I help you?
Good morning,
We wanted to know the price
for the room sir.
Apologies man,
the room is already taken.
Do you know where
Alex?
Yes, who else
Why wouldn't you answer?
Because I wasn't here
Turn the camera on.
It's broken.
How is mom doing?
She
Got sick
She is in the hospital.
Since when?
The doctor said she had to remain
under observation.
What did the doctor say exactly?
Not much
We have to buy some medicine.
Are you going to ask
for more money?
No, chill
Don't send me anything then.
Let the old timer die.
How much is the medicine?
$1.2 million.
I'll see what I can do.
I'll send it to you.
385 dollars.
Ok.
And you need to do something
about it.
Because she came to my country
And see what she did to me!
She's here illegally!
She came to my house!
Take a look! See what she did!
Hello?
Could you explain
what the police is doing there?
Where are you?
Aurora, don't show up here.
Immigration is looking for you.
Immigration?
Why?
You broke Nancy's face
Did you forget?
Well
She called the police to report you.
That's what's going on.
All I know is,
that you are not getting deported.
They are going to put you jail.
Did you understand?
I have the right to come in
and get my things!
That's my house!
It's my house and Nancy's house.
All I did was give you a place
to stay.
But you screwed up!
If you want my advice, all you can do,
is call Nancy and apologize
so she can lift the complaint.
I'm not going to do it.
Then, there is nothing else
to talk about.
Take care.
I can't believe you are doing this
to me!
Did they go looking for you at home?
What did they say to you?
Some woman called me,
to threaten me with immigration.
Look, I can hold your job.
But for now, we cannot continue
working together.
Mrs. Rebeca,
what about my severance?
I don't know.
I have to run some numbers
because you still owe me money.
Come by, tomorrow.
How about that son of a gun!
You have to calm down.
Don't give her the satisfaction
of crumbling down.
I thought she was my friend.
She is a freaking bastard.
I don't have time now,
I'll see you tomorrow.
This is a good hostel, clean,
at least.
I promise I will pay you back,
everything.
The pay is not so bad and
it is close by.
It's a good job.
No...
The pay is terrible
for all the work you have to do.
It won't be forever.
You dance with whoever you want honey.
Remember,
money first.
$10 dollars top, per song.
If you get the costumer out
20 percent.
No, sorry, I didn't get that.
What about the cost?
The customer
If you take him outside
Take him where? No
Why would I take him out?
No...
No sir.
The only thing I'll do is dance.
I didn't get fooled my friend.
He told me so.
He told me about her
when we went to the apartment.
And she
She tried talking to me
and I didn't let her.
I lied to myself.
Thank you.
Sorry for meddlingbut
Shouldn't you think about going back
now that your mom is sick?
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
That's why I'm here.
To get advice from you.
Go back to your country.
Go back to Colombia.
What about my things?
I have the right to get
my things back.
They are all there.
After what happened,
it's unlikely that you have
something to claim.
You committed a crime.
A crime
Yes, a crime.
You assaulted a person.
An American citizen.
She seemed Latina.
There is a complaint,
and since you never legalized your status,
there is no record to locate you.
And much less to issue
an arrest warrant.
I doubt they are going
to look for you in this city.
The problem is I don't have money
to pay for the ticket.
Wait for me here.
Ok.
This is a job in the city.
There is room and board.
It reads here
$10 dollars per hour.
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 am.
It is a direct employer.
They are looking to reduce expenses.
And
You will receive a weekly salary.
God bless you sweetie.
Alex!
Go, go.
God Bless you. Slow down.
Yes, thank you.
I don't speak Spanish.
Just imagine, I don't speak English.
Is that my room?
I'm sorry, I don't understand you.
Thank you.
OhAurora
What happened?
My dad!
What happened to dad?
He got hit by a car!
What? Where? Oh my God!
Quickly!
Efrain!
Dad!
Dad! No!
Efrain!
Dad!
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now, and at the time of death.
Amen.
May he rest in peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Dad is alive!
I wonder what this lady
is saying to me
This is so pretty!
Mrs. Abby
You have no idea how much you are
doing for me.
What can I tell her about me.
Something she understands.
I am from Colombia.
And I got here 5 years ago.
Yes.
NoI didn't understand anything.
I would like to understand so
you can tell me,
why you are here, alone.
In this big house.
Do I go?
Here?
The little one?
Take it.
Thank you.
Is something wrong with this?
I don't know about this.
We should ask Jenny.
Thank you.
If she gets sick...
I'll get fired before they hire me.
Sleep
Yes, please.
Thank you.
You did a very good job.
Ah! Work. Job?
Thank you.
This is going to be difficult.
Jenny, do you know
I don't know
I need Internet.
Do you know of a place
Nearby.
Internet nearby.
Map.
Just like in Spanish.
Sir, excuse me!
How is she doing?
Fine.
Alex, I'm going back.
Where? Back here?
Yes, back there. Where else?
But you
Why would you come back, Aurora?
To be with all of you.
To see mom.
There is nothing to do here.
There is no job, no future.
Same here.
Have you considered that
if you come back,
You won't be able to go back there?
You won't get a visa again.
I don't care anymore.
You are nuts!
We are all going to starve to death.
So, when are you going to send
money for drugs?
For your drugs, or mom's?
For mine!
Keep it up!
Tell mom that
That I love her
That she is on my mind.
That I miss her.
Thank you.
Mrs. Abby
Time for your beverage.
Of course you don't like it!
My mom?
In Bogota.
Picture.
Picture
Let's see if this is it.
No, ma'am.
Tomatoes?
They eat nothing but trash.
CasavaI need to bring lots of potatoes.
Let's see if I get native potatoes.
Serious illness.
Yes, I know.
We have to pray a lot.
And we have to spoil her a lot.
You have to try this.
Because I make it with a twist.
I used all this to make the soup.
I used everything.
We have that everyday back home,
Mrs. Abby.
How do you say...
This is...
What a pleasure to see you!
I'm happy you came!
Thank you.
Look,
I brought some of your things.
My suitcase!
How did you get it out of there?
I went to your old house.
I introduced myself
And asked to get some
of your things back.
Thank you very much.
Thank you because I do need them.
Come in.
Who packed my things?
I did
Together with him
She wasn't there
You brought this.
I had to check if there was something
important to you.
These are the only 2 pictures
I have of my baby.
I only have this
The birth certificate
And the death certificate.
Look.
This is my son.
What did Adolfo tell you?
I told him you were going back
to Colombia.
And he promised he would talk to her,
to withdraw the complaint.
Don't you think I should
talk to him, or to her
Wow, hello stranger!
Hello my friend.
Listen, do you have a camera?
No, no
There is no camera here.
We will see each other very soon.
Is that right? How come?
Well, my mom is sort of sick.
And that's precisely why I'm calling you.
What happened to your mom?
She's been sick.
Have you seen her by any chance?
I don't knowlately?
I saw her last when
I fixed her hair.
Ramona, I'll call you right back, ok?
Alex
I was so worried
How is mom doing?
She's Ok
Stable as they say.
How long is she going to be
hospitalized?
Who knows
We have to wait and see.
Tell me somethingPlease
I don't know
What is the doctor telling you?
Just thatwe have to wait.
Did you buy her medicine?
Yep!
But she needs more.
I'll wire the money in a bit.
Thank you.
She was not there...
Hello.
Where?
Where am I going to go?
Visit
Walk around.
Do you know what I'd like to visit?
The park
The one I saw in the book of
New York.
The big park.
Park?
That one.
I didn't understand anything.
I feel embarrassed, Mrs. Abby.
I won't be able to pronounce that.
I don't know what I'm promising,
but I promise.
Vasili Kandinski,
with his non-objective theory of art,
alters the path of that transformation.
He showed it was possible
to communicate,
a moral existence through art.
Concretely,
through the language of abstraction.
An imitation of life itself.
Fragments, which by themselves,
don't say anything.
But, together, they shape a mosaic
What does it say there?
I don't understand anything.
That's why you need to pay attention.
You see that the picture is like...
I don't know the meaning of it,
I didn't get anything the guy said.
Did you? Explain it to me...
I sort of understood.
I am so ignorant.
What I did understand is that
you are doing better.
Yes.
I feel fine. I'm at peace.
Funny.
Water?
Yes.
Don't you understand?
If we don't pay, she won't be discharged.
I did understand.
It is worse than a freaking fare.
Hey!
Could you stop using bad words
in front of the kids?
I'm by myself. Stop bothering me.
What are we going to do?
I'll see how I can fix that.
Fine, but hurry up!
If we don't pay, she won't get released.
Bye.
I don't have any clothes.
No, I'm not going to buy anything.
I don't have any money.
Listen.
I can only make it during the day.
Really.
Yes, I will be there.
Let's see. 6 x 6?
Write it down here.
No, I put it here.
Alex...
Playing soccer again?
$25 for this?
No!
Allow me...
You will like it, honey.
I can improve the terms.
No, I'm going to dance.
You want things easy, don't you?
Go away.
How much for you?
Same as everyone else.
Let's go.
What's your name?
Aida.
Aidawhere is that name from?
Are you here to dance or to talk?
My name is Saul.
I'm Nicaraguan.
I'm a beast.
What's up?
Did the mouse eat your tongue?
Let go of me!
You are badbad.
Get out!
Why?
Why?
Because you are messing with my job.
Leave me alone.
Where are you going?
Didn't you hear? Get out!
- Get out.
- I'm working.
Don't turn your back on me, you idiot.
Get the hell out!
Get out!
Let go of me!
Get out!
I said get out, you idiot!
I can't hear you.
Speak, you idiot!
Louder.
I'm leaving.
Louder.
I'm leaving.
Idiot!
All of you! Back to work!
I know you.
You are Adolfo's ex.
Look.
Come with me.
I won't tell him anything.
I'm fine.
Don't worry. I'm fine.
Morning star
Clear daylight
Why didn't you wake me up
When my soul finally left
Butterflybutterfly
Butterfly
The river, high, up there
I have a well full of stars
Where the virgin washes her face
Her face and her feet
I can't believe it...
Nothing, I'm fine.
Hello.
Hey, I see you have been calling me.
Yes...
Are you ok? What happened?
My friend, have you heard
from your mom?
Why?
This is very difficult,
but I have to tell you.
My friend, your mom passed away.
What?
Yes
A month ago.
What are you telling me?
I am so sorry.
What about Alex and the kids?
The thing is I haven't been able
to locate Alex.
And the kids I know they are fine.
My friend
Your mom left you a letter.
And I am here
Daughter
I want to write these words to you
In case I don't see you again.
But I don't want to talk about me,
or about my problems.
I'm already old and fulfilled my wishes.
Don't mistreat yourself
Don't hurt yourself.
Forgive your mistakes
We are only human.
Forgive others
Your brother chose his own path.
Don't suffer on his account.
When we had to leave our home,
our town,
I knew I had to pack light.
Your dad, on the other hand,
was attached to material things.
I understood they come and go
But what's important stays with you
Regardless of where you are.
When you left,
I knew I would never see you again.
Because the decision you made,
you made it for the rest of your life.
A brave decision.
You've always been brave.
Do you remember when you were
a child,
and we used to pick fruit from
trees with your brother?
You used to say not to pick them all,
because we had to leave some
for the birds.
That's the way you are.
You always think about others,
before thinking about yourself.
But it is time to change that.
Think of yourself.
You know who we are
Where we come from
Hold on to that.
Don't forget your roots.
And never, never
forget about living.
No. I have to go.
I can never say no to you. Why?
How are you?
How are you?
You are taking a material
that will last you a lifetime.
There you go.
How does it look?
Fine, thank you.
Let's see. You can roll the sleeves up
when you are working or at home.
It's not fair to jump!
Yes, because there is a ramp.
Grandma, it's the ski!
It's not ski, it's swype.
You are such a bonehead!
Stop fighting already!
David, don't be that way.
He is smaller than you.
Don't be a bully.
And you, sweetie,
Don't you see he is just like your dad?
Answer your aunt's call!
Hi mom!
No aunt, it's me.
How are you sweetie?
Fine, auntie.
Turn the camera on sweetie.
Ok.
Hello mommy.
How is everything?
Fine, fine.
Dealing with these kids
who misbehave.
And Alex?
He will be here soon.
You look thin
What do you mean thin!
Here, water makes me fat.
Did Alex get a job?
No.
No, he didn't.
What's wrong mom?
Stop it already, go to the room!
They are terrible!
They get bored inside the house.
It's normal.
Did you go to the doctor?
Tell Alex to take you.
Mom, that's why I pay
your private insurance
every month.
Aurora, sweetie.
I need to tell you something,
but, please, don't get mad.
Alex had to spend that money
on a business,
and it didn't go through.
What?
Are you all crazy or what?
Aurora, please
Don't fight with your brother, ok?
He is not a bad person.
He wants to do things right,
but he is unlucky.
Both of you are so irresponsible.
If you get sick
you can't go the doctor.
What do you feel, what's wrong?
Nothing.
A small thing in my leg
but it will go away.
How long have you been sick?
Why haven't you said anything?
Hi mom!
Talking to New York?
That's right.
Take a look.
She sent this to the kids.
They are beautiful Aurora.
Are they from the boutique?
Yes, they gave me a little discount.
Give our thanks to Mrs. Rebeca.
I thought they were my kickz
What do you mean kickz
I sent a little something to Jason,
for his birthday.
And a little something for David.
Please take a rain check
for the shoes Alex.
It's cool!
On the contrary, thanks, right?
As mom says, they are beautiful.
Mom told me she is feeling ill.
Am I feeling ill?
Why do you say that, mom?
Not you, she does
Are you not feeling well mommy?
Let's see what is wrong with you.
Don't play dumb,
I know you haven't paid
the private insurance.
That's right. Mom and I were talking
about that,
and we concluded
that it is a waste of money.
That is useless.
You do know the system.
You are not the one who decides
That money was for mom,
not for your business!
How so? What business?
I wasn't born yesterday.
Do nothing. Don't work.
Do nothing.
Hang out with your friends
Do drugs
With all due respect, Aurora,
you can't tell me what to do.
Stop!
Stop fighting.
I am going to my room.
Mom, I love you so much.
I'll send the money.
Do you hear?
God bless you, my love.
Remove this Alex
Hello.
Hello
I want to send money to Colombia.
What city?
Bogota.
How much?
- $280 dollars.
- Ok.
Thank you.
Why don't you go see her?
She's your mom
Well, yes. I have thought about it
But I can't.
Here.
Thank you.
Do you know that if I go,
I can't come back?
What, don't you have papers?
Baby, here that's very serious.
No, I do have papers.
The thing is that
they are not up to date,
I have to get it done,
but I haven't had the time.
Are you up to partying tonight?
I am tired but
I have a date with Adolfo
so I have to go.
So, what do you want?
We'll meet at Antony's and go from there.
MIGRANT SERVICES
SUPPORT, TRAININGS
MIGRANT RIGHTS.
Mrs. Rebecca
I need to ask you a huge favor
Of course, what is it?
My mother is sick and
She needs to go to the doctor.
Oh, no are you serious?
Yes.
We need to pay for the appointment
Medicine
All that
Of course!
I will pay for the coat
I owe you.
- Don't you worrydon't think
- Nono
Don't worry about that.
I do worry about that.
I worry since I have to ask you
for an advance
and I'm so embarrassed.
It's Ok. Don't worry.
You can count on it.
Hello.
- Hi.
- Hello.
Nice to meet you.
- Esteban.
- Nancy.
Hi Nancy.
In Spanish please.
I don't understand.
We almost didn't make it
- Nice meeting you.
- Nice meeting you.
- Esteban.
- Aurora.
- Is it Aurora?
- Yes, Aurora.
Evidently Paisa but
- Where from?
- From Medellin.
Are you Colombian?
I love Colombia.
Yes, that's nice.
I'm sorry.
She's making fun of you.
If that's the case, I feel at home.
- What are you going to drink?
- A beer?
Let's take your first picture
in New York City.
Let's do it!
Let's get the flow going
Let's party. Let's go baby!
- Me? Let's do it!
- See you in a bit.
Thank you!
Is everything Ok?
Yes
Why?
You seem sort of down.
No.
I really wanted to you.
I really missed you today.
Lots and lots.
Today was a weird day.
No matter. I am here with you.
- Let's sit down for a little bit.
- No, one more!
You got tired!
I am a little tired but it's Ok.
Hey, Nancy, when did you get here?
No, I was born here, in New York.
- Is that right? A gringa?
- Yes, a gringa.
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
But
My parents are Latino.
So...
This neighborhood seems
the same as the one there
Because it is the same people.
All of those Latinos, who are bad
And pervertedjust like that.
Before meeting Mora,
I had no idea how to dance Salsa.
Say what? You didn't know before or after.
Didn't you see me?
Esteban, sweetie, please do something...
Take Aura, right now
to the dance floor
She does know how to dance!
No way!
Of course, dude!
Obviously!
- Yes?
- Yes!
You are making me nervous.
Take it.
Let's go.
Delicious.
Do you have your papers
to work here?
No, not yet.
First, I want to...
Legalize my status here.
Chillbe cooland that's that.
I don't want to get deported.
Isn't that right?
No, I don't think sonot in Queens.
You won't have that problem.
You can take it easy.
What are you talking about, sweetie?
If it happened before,
it can happen again.
Do you remember?
Of course.
Do you remember?
It can happen again.
I'm telling you.
Let's not get too serious.
Let's not worry.
I have met a bunch of people
who don't have a green card,
and they have a nice life.
They work.
They have a family.
In other words,
they live a full life.
That's not true
I would like for you Esteban,
to tell us the story you told me,
on our way here.
Are you sure? Mario's story?
Mario's story.
Get on with it!
Mario Alberto Montoya Restrepo.
That guy is not my homie.
That guy is a lot older than me.
That guy used to have great kickz.
He only wore them at home
To keep them sharp.
It was the 90s
Middle of the 90s.
Mario had a cousin
who used to write to him,
From here, from New York.
Dude, this is so great, and so on.
Come over, you have to visit here.
Mario was fond of everything
that was gringo.
He wanted to come.
You could see him,
every single Sunday in the arcade.
That guy had style.
The guy was lots of fun.
He would tell his cousin often
to send for him.
The consulate in Medellin was closed.
What did he do?
He went to Bogota.
He made it there.
But, in Bogota,
he was really scared.
No one was getting a visa.
That's the way it is.
They just say no.
And you're done!
You waste all the paperwork,
you had to go through
You waste all that money
you had to pay for the process.
You have to get there, unwavering,
sure of yourself, in front of the official.
You have to face any denial,
any rejection.
You have to be firm.
Destiny has been tough on this guy.
But he is stubborn as a mule,
and more capricious than fate.
Two of his cousin's friends
were waiting for him.
A couple of true homies.
But here he was. That's right!
In crazy city.
The city that never sleeps.
When he got to the cousin's house,
they told him he wasn't there.
That he was traveling.
And he went like, no way dude
They even told him:
It's all good. No worries.
Relaxdo as you please
Don't do this to me!
That's what the idiot said
He didn't come carrying drugs.
But the apartment,
where he was staying
There were more than
2 kilos of blow.
Mario was simply bait
Those guys had to give someone up
And Mario was perfect.
That's why they brought him
So, what about the other one
The cousin
Well, he was not really his cousin.
He was a guy everyone
called 'cousin' and that's it!
Aurora Maria Rodriguez.
She doesn't speak English.
She's asking
if you want some water.
No, thank you.
Don't you worry.
Almost nobody speaks English here.
It is very weird
Most of them come to the United States,
not to live the American dream,
but the Latin-American dream.
I don't have anything against them.
On the contrary,
I work to help them.
But everything would be easier if
They would wish to blend
By learning the language.
Well...
What brings you here.
Even better, what is the problem.
Well, precisely, I am here because
I have a problem.
Which problem?
I don't have my papers in order.
How long have you been
in the country?
It is going to be six years.
And, after six years,
you want to get your papers in order?
Yes.
Very well.
There are two types
of undocumented immigrants.
Illegal
and undocumented immigrants.
Illegal are those who cross over
through the hole into the country.
Is that your case?
No.
Of course not!
You got here,
with a three-month tourist visa.
And when your time was over,
you went running to the airport.
But, to your misfortune,
the plane didn't wait for you.
You had no other option
but to stay 6 years in the country.
Alex will help you connect
I'll walk you up to here.
Go, go. May God bless you.
Amen.
I am going to miss you.
Are you happy?
Yes, a little nervous.
Go, go before you miss the flight.
Take care of yourself.
Go my love, go.
So, little sis, are you nervous?
So... When are you
going to take me with you.
I don't know Alex.
I'll gather the money and,
will send for you as soon as I can.
That's so cool.
Alex asked for a doctor's
appointment.
We will go tomorrow.
Did he leave you alone mom?
He won't take long.
Mom, tell me,
what exactly do you feel?
I feel a fatigue that doesn't go away.
And that pain in the leg.
Why don't you go lie down
for a little while?
Why are you sitting there?
Because I'm tired of lying down.
Mom, has Alex already paid?
Do you know who woke up
in the middle of the night,
as it used to happen to you?
Jason.
Do you know,
that it has not happened to me here?
God bless.
Mom, did Alex pay or didn't he?
Are you really going to take him
over there?
Mom
Not even I have my papers in order.
Then,
why don't you tell him the truth?
I have not been able.
It's not that easy.
Stop stalling
and answer my question.
Did Alex pay or didn't he?
Yes, he did pay.
Fine, let me see the receipt.
No,
I'm not going to look for it.
I'm very tired. Do you know what?
I'm going to listen to you.
I'm going to rest a little, ok?
May God bless you. We'll talk later.
Fine. Take care of yourself mom.
May God bless you.
Hello.
What's up!
What are you doing here?
What happened?
Is something the matter?
No.
Is something the matter with you?
I have to go.
Freaking papers!
Can we have a coffee?
No.
You whore!
Witch!
Calm down!
Don't touch me!
Did you see what she did to me?
Calm down!
I'm going to report her!
Stupid whore!
You're going to leave my country,
you piece of trash!
Let go of me!
Let's Talk.
Let go of me!
Calm down!
Take it easy.
How long ago have you been
cheating on me with that floosy?
I have never deceived you.
We are only friends.
Don't lie to me! Don't lie to me!
We are friends.
You were here yesterday!
I don't get it.
You are not well in the head.
Excuse me?
I want you to take her out
of my house today.
No, mom, I will carry it
Alex, wait!
You don't know where you're going!
Mom, take a look
What?
Go, go knock over there.
Good morning, may I help you?
Good morning,
We wanted to know the price
for the room sir.
Apologies man,
the room is already taken.
Do you know where
Alex?
Yes, who else
Why wouldn't you answer?
Because I wasn't here
Turn the camera on.
It's broken.
How is mom doing?
She
Got sick
She is in the hospital.
Since when?
The doctor said she had to remain
under observation.
What did the doctor say exactly?
Not much
We have to buy some medicine.
Are you going to ask
for more money?
No, chill
Don't send me anything then.
Let the old timer die.
How much is the medicine?
$1.2 million.
I'll see what I can do.
I'll send it to you.
385 dollars.
Ok.
And you need to do something
about it.
Because she came to my country
And see what she did to me!
She's here illegally!
She came to my house!
Take a look! See what she did!
Hello?
Could you explain
what the police is doing there?
Where are you?
Aurora, don't show up here.
Immigration is looking for you.
Immigration?
Why?
You broke Nancy's face
Did you forget?
Well
She called the police to report you.
That's what's going on.
All I know is,
that you are not getting deported.
They are going to put you jail.
Did you understand?
I have the right to come in
and get my things!
That's my house!
It's my house and Nancy's house.
All I did was give you a place
to stay.
But you screwed up!
If you want my advice, all you can do,
is call Nancy and apologize
so she can lift the complaint.
I'm not going to do it.
Then, there is nothing else
to talk about.
Take care.
I can't believe you are doing this
to me!
Did they go looking for you at home?
What did they say to you?
Some woman called me,
to threaten me with immigration.
Look, I can hold your job.
But for now, we cannot continue
working together.
Mrs. Rebeca,
what about my severance?
I don't know.
I have to run some numbers
because you still owe me money.
Come by, tomorrow.
How about that son of a gun!
You have to calm down.
Don't give her the satisfaction
of crumbling down.
I thought she was my friend.
She is a freaking bastard.
I don't have time now,
I'll see you tomorrow.
This is a good hostel, clean,
at least.
I promise I will pay you back,
everything.
The pay is not so bad and
it is close by.
It's a good job.
No...
The pay is terrible
for all the work you have to do.
It won't be forever.
You dance with whoever you want honey.
Remember,
money first.
$10 dollars top, per song.
If you get the costumer out
20 percent.
No, sorry, I didn't get that.
What about the cost?
The customer
If you take him outside
Take him where? No
Why would I take him out?
No...
No sir.
The only thing I'll do is dance.
I didn't get fooled my friend.
He told me so.
He told me about her
when we went to the apartment.
And she
She tried talking to me
and I didn't let her.
I lied to myself.
Thank you.
Sorry for meddlingbut
Shouldn't you think about going back
now that your mom is sick?
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
That's why I'm here.
To get advice from you.
Go back to your country.
Go back to Colombia.
What about my things?
I have the right to get
my things back.
They are all there.
After what happened,
it's unlikely that you have
something to claim.
You committed a crime.
A crime
Yes, a crime.
You assaulted a person.
An American citizen.
She seemed Latina.
There is a complaint,
and since you never legalized your status,
there is no record to locate you.
And much less to issue
an arrest warrant.
I doubt they are going
to look for you in this city.
The problem is I don't have money
to pay for the ticket.
Wait for me here.
Ok.
This is a job in the city.
There is room and board.
It reads here
$10 dollars per hour.
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 am.
It is a direct employer.
They are looking to reduce expenses.
And
You will receive a weekly salary.
God bless you sweetie.
Alex!
Go, go.
God Bless you. Slow down.
Yes, thank you.
I don't speak Spanish.
Just imagine, I don't speak English.
Is that my room?
I'm sorry, I don't understand you.
Thank you.
OhAurora
What happened?
My dad!
What happened to dad?
He got hit by a car!
What? Where? Oh my God!
Quickly!
Efrain!
Dad!
Dad! No!
Efrain!
Dad!
Holy Mary, Mother of God
pray for us sinners
now, and at the time of death.
Amen.
May he rest in peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Dad is alive!
I wonder what this lady
is saying to me
This is so pretty!
Mrs. Abby
You have no idea how much you are
doing for me.
What can I tell her about me.
Something she understands.
I am from Colombia.
And I got here 5 years ago.
Yes.
NoI didn't understand anything.
I would like to understand so
you can tell me,
why you are here, alone.
In this big house.
Do I go?
Here?
The little one?
Take it.
Thank you.
Is something wrong with this?
I don't know about this.
We should ask Jenny.
Thank you.
If she gets sick...
I'll get fired before they hire me.
Sleep
Yes, please.
Thank you.
You did a very good job.
Ah! Work. Job?
Thank you.
This is going to be difficult.
Jenny, do you know
I don't know
I need Internet.
Do you know of a place
Nearby.
Internet nearby.
Map.
Just like in Spanish.
Sir, excuse me!
How is she doing?
Fine.
Alex, I'm going back.
Where? Back here?
Yes, back there. Where else?
But you
Why would you come back, Aurora?
To be with all of you.
To see mom.
There is nothing to do here.
There is no job, no future.
Same here.
Have you considered that
if you come back,
You won't be able to go back there?
You won't get a visa again.
I don't care anymore.
You are nuts!
We are all going to starve to death.
So, when are you going to send
money for drugs?
For your drugs, or mom's?
For mine!
Keep it up!
Tell mom that
That I love her
That she is on my mind.
That I miss her.
Thank you.
Mrs. Abby
Time for your beverage.
Of course you don't like it!
My mom?
In Bogota.
Picture.
Picture
Let's see if this is it.
No, ma'am.
Tomatoes?
They eat nothing but trash.
CasavaI need to bring lots of potatoes.
Let's see if I get native potatoes.
Serious illness.
Yes, I know.
We have to pray a lot.
And we have to spoil her a lot.
You have to try this.
Because I make it with a twist.
I used all this to make the soup.
I used everything.
We have that everyday back home,
Mrs. Abby.
How do you say...
This is...
What a pleasure to see you!
I'm happy you came!
Thank you.
Look,
I brought some of your things.
My suitcase!
How did you get it out of there?
I went to your old house.
I introduced myself
And asked to get some
of your things back.
Thank you very much.
Thank you because I do need them.
Come in.
Who packed my things?
I did
Together with him
She wasn't there
You brought this.
I had to check if there was something
important to you.
These are the only 2 pictures
I have of my baby.
I only have this
The birth certificate
And the death certificate.
Look.
This is my son.
What did Adolfo tell you?
I told him you were going back
to Colombia.
And he promised he would talk to her,
to withdraw the complaint.
Don't you think I should
talk to him, or to her
Wow, hello stranger!
Hello my friend.
Listen, do you have a camera?
No, no
There is no camera here.
We will see each other very soon.
Is that right? How come?
Well, my mom is sort of sick.
And that's precisely why I'm calling you.
What happened to your mom?
She's been sick.
Have you seen her by any chance?
I don't knowlately?
I saw her last when
I fixed her hair.
Ramona, I'll call you right back, ok?
Alex
I was so worried
How is mom doing?
She's Ok
Stable as they say.
How long is she going to be
hospitalized?
Who knows
We have to wait and see.
Tell me somethingPlease
I don't know
What is the doctor telling you?
Just thatwe have to wait.
Did you buy her medicine?
Yep!
But she needs more.
I'll wire the money in a bit.
Thank you.
She was not there...
Hello.
Where?
Where am I going to go?
Visit
Walk around.
Do you know what I'd like to visit?
The park
The one I saw in the book of
New York.
The big park.
Park?
That one.
I didn't understand anything.
I feel embarrassed, Mrs. Abby.
I won't be able to pronounce that.
I don't know what I'm promising,
but I promise.
Vasili Kandinski,
with his non-objective theory of art,
alters the path of that transformation.
He showed it was possible
to communicate,
a moral existence through art.
Concretely,
through the language of abstraction.
An imitation of life itself.
Fragments, which by themselves,
don't say anything.
But, together, they shape a mosaic
What does it say there?
I don't understand anything.
That's why you need to pay attention.
You see that the picture is like...
I don't know the meaning of it,
I didn't get anything the guy said.
Did you? Explain it to me...
I sort of understood.
I am so ignorant.
What I did understand is that
you are doing better.
Yes.
I feel fine. I'm at peace.
Funny.
Water?
Yes.
Don't you understand?
If we don't pay, she won't be discharged.
I did understand.
It is worse than a freaking fare.
Hey!
Could you stop using bad words
in front of the kids?
I'm by myself. Stop bothering me.
What are we going to do?
I'll see how I can fix that.
Fine, but hurry up!
If we don't pay, she won't get released.
Bye.
I don't have any clothes.
No, I'm not going to buy anything.
I don't have any money.
Listen.
I can only make it during the day.
Really.
Yes, I will be there.
Let's see. 6 x 6?
Write it down here.
No, I put it here.
Alex...
Playing soccer again?
$25 for this?
No!
Allow me...
You will like it, honey.
I can improve the terms.
No, I'm going to dance.
You want things easy, don't you?
Go away.
How much for you?
Same as everyone else.
Let's go.
What's your name?
Aida.
Aidawhere is that name from?
Are you here to dance or to talk?
My name is Saul.
I'm Nicaraguan.
I'm a beast.
What's up?
Did the mouse eat your tongue?
Let go of me!
You are badbad.
Get out!
Why?
Why?
Because you are messing with my job.
Leave me alone.
Where are you going?
Didn't you hear? Get out!
- Get out.
- I'm working.
Don't turn your back on me, you idiot.
Get the hell out!
Get out!
Let go of me!
Get out!
I said get out, you idiot!
I can't hear you.
Speak, you idiot!
Louder.
I'm leaving.
Louder.
I'm leaving.
Idiot!
All of you! Back to work!
I know you.
You are Adolfo's ex.
Look.
Come with me.
I won't tell him anything.
I'm fine.
Don't worry. I'm fine.
Morning star
Clear daylight
Why didn't you wake me up
When my soul finally left
Butterflybutterfly
Butterfly
The river, high, up there
I have a well full of stars
Where the virgin washes her face
Her face and her feet
I can't believe it...
Nothing, I'm fine.
Hello.
Hey, I see you have been calling me.
Yes...
Are you ok? What happened?
My friend, have you heard
from your mom?
Why?
This is very difficult,
but I have to tell you.
My friend, your mom passed away.
What?
Yes
A month ago.
What are you telling me?
I am so sorry.
What about Alex and the kids?
The thing is I haven't been able
to locate Alex.
And the kids I know they are fine.
My friend
Your mom left you a letter.
And I am here
Daughter
I want to write these words to you
In case I don't see you again.
But I don't want to talk about me,
or about my problems.
I'm already old and fulfilled my wishes.
Don't mistreat yourself
Don't hurt yourself.
Forgive your mistakes
We are only human.
Forgive others
Your brother chose his own path.
Don't suffer on his account.
When we had to leave our home,
our town,
I knew I had to pack light.
Your dad, on the other hand,
was attached to material things.
I understood they come and go
But what's important stays with you
Regardless of where you are.
When you left,
I knew I would never see you again.
Because the decision you made,
you made it for the rest of your life.
A brave decision.
You've always been brave.
Do you remember when you were
a child,
and we used to pick fruit from
trees with your brother?
You used to say not to pick them all,
because we had to leave some
for the birds.
That's the way you are.
You always think about others,
before thinking about yourself.
But it is time to change that.
Think of yourself.
You know who we are
Where we come from
Hold on to that.
Don't forget your roots.
And never, never
forget about living.