Malpaso

Dramatic Feature
Duration: 80 Minutes
Country: Dominican Republic
Director: Héctro M. Valez
Producer: José Ramón Alamá
Year: 2019
Staring: Ramón Emilio Candelario, Pepe Sierra, Ariel Diaz, Cyndie Lundy, Ettore D’ Alessandro

View Trailer

Cine Nepantla Presents: "Malpaso" — A Film by Hector M. Valdez

An Exploration of Border Life, Family Bonds, and Dreams Deferred

FREE Virtual Streaming: Saturday 16 September 2023 - Sunday 24 September 2023

About the Film

Directed by Hector M. Valdez, "Malpaso" tells the gripping tale of Candido and Braulio, twin brothers navigating life in the neglected border region between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Candido, secluded due to his albinism, has lived a life sheltered from the hardships of border town living. Braulio, on the other hand, has been hustling in the market alongside their late grandfather. Following their grandfather's sudden passing, Braulio becomes Candido's sole protector, and the brothers are thrust into a new, uncertain world where dreams, identity, and survival intertwine. "Malpaso" offers an unflinching look into the lives of marginalized youth, set against the backdrop of familial bonds and the harsh realities of a border town.

A Conversation with the Director

Don't miss our exclusive Q&A session with Hector M. Valdez, moderated by Guido Segal. Dive deeper into the making of "Malpaso" and discover how the director's personal experiences shaped this emotionally rich narrative.

Nepantla: Living In-Between

"Malpaso" is featured as part of our Cine Nepantla program, a unique space for films that explore the in-between-ness of cultures, identities, and communities. The word Nepantla signifies more than a state of 'in-between-ness'; it is a complex lens that weaves the historical, emotional, and spiritual facets of life. Learn More About Cine Nepantla

Don't Miss Out!

• Special Q&A with Director Hector M. Valdez: Get insights into the making of this powerful film.

• Donate: Your contributions help us continue to spotlight impactful films like "Malpaso" to our community. Support Us

Date & Time

This film is no longer available to stream.

Hector M. Valdez, born in Santo Domingo in 1989, is a dynamic filmmaker deeply rooted in the visual and emotional landscapes of the Caribbean. He launched his career with a series of poignant short films during his studies at McGill University. His 2015 documentary, "República del Color," delved into the complex tapestry of Caribbean identity through visual arts. Hector gained international acclaim with "Melocotones," which earned him the 'Film of the Festival' at the Raindance Film Festival and a Yellow Robin nomination at IFFR-Curaçao. His latest work, "Malpaso," is a personal and compelling story set in the neglected Haitian-Dominican border region. It aims to give a voice to marginalized youth and had its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

CIne Nepantla: A Journey Through In-Between Spaces

Nepantla, a term rooted in the Nahuatl language, serves as a complex lens through which to view the world—it means 'in the middle of it,' but its implications go far beyond mere geographical or physical space. In the realm of the arts, Nepantla becomes a tapestry woven from the historical, emotional, and spiritual facets of life. It signifies more than just a state of 'in-between-ness'; it encapsulates the experience of living in borderlands, whether those borders are literal or metaphorical. In Latinx anthropology, social discourse, criticism, and the arts, Nepantla serves as a powerful concept that embraces the nuanced intersections of identity, culture, and community.

Meet the LACLA Program Manager

GUIDO SEGAL

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Segal moved to 
Los Angeles to pursue his MFA in Screenwriting at UCLA in 2016. He has worked as a journalist and a film critic in Argentina and Spain and was a Jury Member at la Semaine de la Critique during the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Segal worked as a documentary filmmaker for History and Discovery Channel and has considerable experience as an assistant director and screenwriter in Argentine films. He co-wrote the films Leones (2012), and Kékzsakállú (2016), both of which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. He was staffed in three Argentine TV shows: Un año para recordar, La Asombrosa Excursión de Zamba and Siesta Z, which was selected for the Power to the Pixel conference in London. His screenplays have been nominated for two International Emmy awards and have won one Martin Fierro award. Segal has taught Screenwriting and Film Analysis at Universidad del Cine (Buenos Aires), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), TAMK University (Tampere, Finland) and UCLA, which selected him as a Telluride Film Festival FilmLab Fellow. In 2019, he was a fellow at the Tomorrow's Filmmakers Today program hosted by Hola Mexico and HBO. His feature films Curupira and Dark Star will premiere internationally in 2022. He is currently the Program Director for the Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA).

Mariluz Gonzalez Vesper - Public Relations

Melina Rodriguez - Online Programming

• Diaz-Martinez Family Foundation

About Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles

For 25 years, we've been your gateway to Latin American Cinema. We're committed to showcasing films that bridge communities, spark dialogue, and bring to light the untold stories from across the Americas. Discover More