Scarlet Camilo in ‘Boca Chica.’ Photo Courtesy of the Tribeca Film Festival
“Boca Chica” is an inspirational new movie, starring Scarlet Camilo, that was directed by Gabriella A. Moses.
It premiered on June 11 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.
The synopsis is: Desi, age 12, spends her days dreaming on the beaches of Boca Chica of becoming a famous singer, but her goal is threatened by the insidious future that awaits some of the girls in her town.
A future that is perpetuated by some of those closest to her. Only her music can save her.
Desi keeps this dream a secret from her family, especially the women in her life that raised her. Her occasional confidante is her older brother, Fran (played by Jean Cruz), who lives a façade of his own in New York City as a struggling musician who sheepishly works as a food delivery worker.
When news arrives that the siblings’ cousin, Elvis, is coming to Boca Chica to marry his wealthy, older, American fiancée, it opens up past tensions and latent trauma in their family.
Meanwhile, a restless Desi meets a group of Dominican teens — also aspiring singers and rappers — that lights a spark in her artistic pursuit.
Particularly impressive about “Boca Chica” is that it is Moses’ directorial debut; moreover, it features a compelling screenplay from Marité Ugás and Mariana Rondón.
The Verdict
Rising young actress Scarlet Camilo steals every scene she is in the coming-of-age drama “Boca Chica” in a bold and enticing acting performance as she faces adversity in an effort to pursue her artistic and creative dreams.
This film is a sensitive yet spirited depiction of the city (Boca Chica) in the Dominican Republic, and it displays both the joyous and harrowing sides of girlhood. Moses leads a primarily female crew with her directing debut, and with Scarlet Camilo at the core, it is evident that a star is born.
Camilo’s acting performance in “Boca Chica” is equal in excellence to Keisha Castle-Hughes’s acting skills in “Whale Rider.” “Boca Chica” will resonate well with viewers and fans.