The Garden Left Behind

Alves and his team deserve major kudos for this film. Tina and Abuelita both did an impressively sensitive job of struggling toward a better life. Tina in particular was totally convincing in her role, and had to be as determined and creative as the team that managed to bring the film into being. This story has twists and turns that take my breath away, and that well qualify for intense discussion about many many facets of diversity we haven't yet begun to fathom. Every family and every school would benefit from doing an extended round table discussion the the issues sensitively presented! Bravo, Team Alves!!

"The Garden Left Behind" is a powerful story that let's you feel like you are with the lead character as she works towards becoming her true self. The fact that most of the actors in this production had never been in front of the camera before makes the production even more fantastic, as a viewer would never know that, as the acting doesn't look like acting at all. I will have to watch the film again, but fair warning, you may need tissues while watching.

Brazilian filmmaker, Flavio Alves enlisted an ensemble from emerging Latinx actor, Carlie Guevara to Veteran Latina actor, Miriam Cruz portraying Mexican immigrants in the independent film, "The Garden Left Behind" (2019).

This film had a grounded agenda to showcase a humane telling of a Gen Zer seeking their independence. The main character, "Tina" (born "Antonio") helmed by Guevara seeks transition (male to female) but also concerned with the dilemma of supporting their immigrant Mexican grandmother (Miriam Cruz as "Eliana") as an undocumented New York City (NYC) worker. This film also stars established actors Ed Asner (famous from the 70s Mary Tyler Moore show) and Michael Madsen.

The thematic interplay of battling transphobia and seeking "resident" status is balanced out well. The performances of cast, break the usual tropes in how trans characters have been seen within the last 20 years in independent cinema. Notable recent independent films that can be seen at least for Trans Latinx representation is "Gun Hill Road" (2011) that starred "La Bamba" famed castmember, Esai Morales.

Alves's chosen location shots were relatively supportive of an undocumented life in an urban environment. It's also depicts community activism for the largely ignored situation that "Trans Lives Matter" and the importance for NYC's recent Trans Latinx hate crime awareness.

The Writer & Director work is noteworthy! A fresh scenario and epilogue with sublime cinematography sprinkled throughout the movie.

What a hidden gem! Do not miss this amazing film. Beautifully written, shot, directed and acted. I did not know what to expect when I started watching and the film truly blew me away. I learned so much and it touched my heart and soul.