EVENTS

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La Mission: Opening Night Gala

(USA, 2009, 117 mins)

video

SCR: Peter Bratt

• IMDB Film Info

We are extremely proud to open Outfest 2009 with LA MISSION, writer-director Peter Bratt's rich and powerful story of a man's journey toward redemption and his struggle with violence and homophobia.

In San Francisco's Mission District, reformed inmate and recovering alcoholic Che (Benjamin Bratt) is a bus driver and single father. His joie de vivre lies in socializing with his circle of friends and transforming old cars into lowrider masterpieces, but more than anything, he loves his son, Jesse (Jeremy Ray Valdez), who is about to graduate from high school. When he discovers that Jesse is gay, Che's world is thrown into turmoil, and he reacts in the only way he knows - with physical violence. In his battle with his demons, Che's old friends and new neighbor Lena (Erika Alexander) and his deep connection to his Native roots become increasingly important in his life.

Peter Bratt trains an affectionate eye on the titular neighborhood, capturing both its joyous spirit and its harsh reality. Vibrant production design, an R&B soundtrack and colorful scenes of lowrider cruising accentuate Bratt's skillful storytelling. The talented cast shines, and in one of his most impressive performances to date, Benjamin Bratt complexly reveals the searing pain and humanity beneath Che's macho veneer. A story from the heart, LA MISSION is about the unrelenting power of love, family and community - that ultimately calls for change.

- Kim Yutani, Director of Programming

For ticketing information please phone 213-480-7065 or email boxoffice@outfest.org