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La Misma Luna

About the Film
Year Released: 
2008
Running Time: 
106
Documentary/Fiction: 
Fiction
Synopsis: 

In her feature debut, Patricia Riggen offers a touching tale of the way the love between a mother and child can thrive and endure despite physical separation.

In La Misma Luna (The Same Moon), Riggen gives us the parallel stories of nine-year-old Carlitos and his mother, Rosario. In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for Carlitos back in Mexico. Unexpected circumstances drive both Rosario and Carlitos to embark on their own journeys in a desperate attempt to reunite. Along the way, mother and son face challenges and obstacles but never lose hope that they will one day be together again. Riggen's film is not only a heartwarming family story; she also offers subtle commentary on the much-debated issue of illegal immigration.

Adeptly weaving the stories of mother and son, Riggen has created a poignant film that reminds us that the most important thing in life is the love of family. At every turn, La Misma Luna (The Same Moon) underscores the notion that geography is insignificant, for we are all under the same moon.

Jennifer Cochis, La Misma Luna: Institute History, Sundance Film Festival

http://history.sundance.org/films/3734

Poster Image: 
Director
Film Director: 
Patricia Riggen
Production Info
Reported or Estimated Budget: 
$1.7 million
Location: 
Mexico and United States
Other Interesting Production Info: 
Film was shot in 5 weeks.
Categories About the Film
Genre: 
drama
family
Keywords: 
coming of age
family
immigration
interracial relations
rural life
state violence and security
Racial/Ethnic Affiliation: 
Mexican
Filmmaking Team
Writer's Name: 
Ligiah Villalobos
Producer: 
Ligiah Villalobos and Gerardo Barrera
Cinematographer: 
Checco Varese
Primary Cast: 
Eugenio Derbez, Kate del Castillo, Adrian Alonso
Exhibition/Distribution Info
Distributor: 
Fox Searchlight , The Weinstein Company
Box Office Earnings: 
$12500000
Where to find it/How to get it: 
DVD widely available
Festivals/Awards: 

- 2007 Toronoto International Film Festival, world premiere

- 2007 Sundance FIlm Festival

- 2008 Miami International Fim Festival

Links
Link to the official film website: 
Fox Searchlight: La Misma Luna
Links to interviews (written) with Director/Filmmakers: 
Patricia Riggen: Love and Politics Under the Same Moon
Links to Videos of Interviews: 
Director Patricia Riggen "La Misma Luna" Stephen Holt Show
Analysis
Personal Film Review and Cultural Context: 

Rosario is an undocumented housekeeper in California, working to save enough money to send for her 9 year old son, Carlitos. Rosario reassures Carlitos by reminding him that they both share the same moon despite the distance between them. In her first feature film, Patricia Riggen captivates the hearts of audience members with this touching story of an abandoned little boy alone on a search for his mother. Despite his young age, Adrian Alonso seamlessly embodies his role as Carlitos. His innocence and bravery transcends the 4th wall, tugging at your heartstrings throughout the entire film. La Misma Luna premiered in the U.S. at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and received a standing ovation from the audience. Riggen is currently working on directing a film based on the incredible story of the 33 miners who were buried alive for months in the collapsed gold and copper mine in Chile in 2010. The film is due to begin shooting in January of 2013.

Georgina Dominique

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