So due to circumstances beyond our control, the pandemic means that we’re not reporting on the latest flicks from Sundance 2022, but in lieu of a live-feed from Park City, a few helpful publicists have been in touch to provide access to the wares on show. One minor gem is Carlos Cardona’s Chiqui, a short, 30 minute drama dealing with the topic of immigration, but in a warm and fuzzy way that makes it a great calling card for both writer/director and some fresh acting talent.
The year is 1987, and Chiqui and Carlos are on the move; having forsaken their native Colombia, they’re relocating to New Jersey initially, and then to a friend’s motel in lovely Montauk Point. She’s pregnant, and has to put her dream of being an air-hostess on hold while he’s struggling to find the kind of work that might support a family. Their bonds are tested; the American Dream can seem like a long way away when you can’t get any legal work…
Chiqui is a small and personal piece, but there’s lots to engage a wider audience, with well-chosen music and video-clips; the appearance of Kim Cattrall classic Mannequin on the couple’s tv set reflects the gap between the fairy-tale and the tougher reality they face. Brigitte Silva and Sebastián Beltranini both shine as the director’s parents, and as a film, Chiqui never has a dull moment through its scrupulous, heartfelt examination of the uphill struggle they face.
Chiqui screened as part of the Sundance Indie Episodic Program, and it’s a refreshingly honest view of life back in the 80’s. There’s certainly enough mileage here to suggest follow-up episodes should be in order, but for now, this is exactly what Sundance does best; connecting exciting new talent to jaded audiences looking for something new and original.
Chiqui screened as part of the Sundance Indie Episodic Program in Jan 2022.
Sounds like a good calling card. We don’t often get to see the shorts that new directors make that alerts Hollywood to their talent.
I’d like that Sundance London to tour.
Are they in America legally? I ask because you mention the problem of getting work legally.
That’s a question. Given that her ambition to to be a stewardess, and my guess is you’d need a full working passport to do that, I think they are legal immigrants, but struggling to find legal work. There is a lot more illegal work going on in the US than most countries I can think of.
That’s good to know. I’m all for legal immigration. If someone has the cojones to do all the necessary paperwork, then more power to them! We WANT those people.
So I take it you don’t have to deal with bootlegged sheep and faux-Braveheart antiquities?
Yup, immigration is part of the dream, remembered in a warm and fuzzy here.
Who would paint their bottom blue who was not a true Scot?
Depends on how much you get paid for doing it.
How much have you got?
Seriously??? My bottom is a perfect size for me.
How much money are you paying me to paint mine?
You’re a true scot so you’ll paint your bottom blue anyway, presumably weekly with a wee dram to or two on board. I am only a wannabe Scot so would have to be in the chorus line of a Braveheart type movie and be paid for my blueness.
So do you want me to paint it legally or illegally?
Clarify whose bottom you’re talking about please.
My own. Painting it blue is a matter of some interest to my American friend.
Yes that’s a fair point well made. I think we could have a WP4 blue-bottom painting session, where I film you painting yours and zoom it over to Booky, we’ll tell Alex to tune in too and he can do the review. I think we can class that as legally.
It might be legal, but would it be right?
Oh yes, we’ll extend the plot, release it at the next Sundance gig, and make a mint.
I hope Bob Redford is not reading this.
I do he might want to direct it. A modern take on Butch and the Blue Bottom Gang.
I’ll let you know if he bites.
I’m sure he’s not into that! Plus..messy lips ya know.
Sigh. Just saw PJ O’Rourke died. Amazing good writer. One of the funniest ever. Wonderful turn of phrase. Unique point of view. Sad day…
I don’t know much about him ignoramus that I am.
I reach daily for the kind of language and ideas he seemed to pull out of the air with ease.
Then he’s had a good effect on your life and probably many others. Nice for him to have a legacy of inspiration.
His guide to cleaning the house is still a big inspiration to me. Batchelor Home Companion.
Just been reading up on him, might have to dip in.
PJ used to call me up sometimes when he was stuck writing a column.
Studs Terkel used to tell me much the same thing; you serve as muse to the greats.