1999, Mexico
Director and Producer: Alejandro Springall
Producer: Maite Argüelles, John Sayles
Production: Springall Pictures/IMCINE
Screenplay: María Amparo Escandón
Cast: Dolores Heredia, Demián Bichir, Alberto Estrella
Cinematographer: Xavier Pérez Grobet
Esperanza is a young religious widow whose only daughter, Blanca, dies unexpectedly in a hospital due to an unknown illness. She is buried hastily to prevent the spread of the mysterious virus, and Esperanza is not allowed to identify the body. St. Jude Thaddeus, one of her favorite saints, delivers Esperanza a message through the oven’s dirty glass telling her that Blanca is alive and how to find her. With her box of “santitos” and her unwavering faith she embarks on a personal journey that takes her from her home town in Veracruz to brothels in Tijuana and Los Angeles Chicano neighborhoods.
Nominated for the Silver Ariel for Best Art Design (2000). Winner of the India Catalina for Best Art Design at the Cartagena International Film Festival (2000)