by the staff of El Reportero
Corina Calderon
“Forged” by William Wedig and “All She Can” by Amy Wendel and Daniel Meisel will open at the Opera Plaza San Francisco, September 16. “Forged” tells the story of an ex-thug and his son who attempt to find a way to move past impossible circumstances to forge a bond that has been forever broken by the murder of the child’s mother.
“Forged” is a Revere Pictures release, set in the cold and rusty steel mill town of Scranton, Pennsylvania. It follows ex-thug Jesus “Chuco” Barrera (Manny Perez) on his quest to redeem himself for committing a horrific sin, the murder of his wife. After Chuco’s release from prison, his now 13-year-old, abused and homeless son, Machito (David Castro), seeks him out and simply mutters, “You killed my mother. Now I kill you.” As Chuco’s guilt and Machito’s need for a father take hold, they must both find a way to move past impossible circumstances to forge a bond that has been forever broken. Engulfed by a bleak and lonely air, “Forged” tells a profound, introverted story that is both exhilarating and heartfelt, an exploration into the deep bonds of family when one man’s search for redemption might beg for more than he can give.
“All She Can” is set in Benavides, Texas, where petite girls can deadlift 280 pounds, military recruiters roam high school halls, and a patriotic Mexican American community that has been there since before it was Texas struggles with an economy literally collapsing around it. “All She Can” is a Kapok Pictures release, and revolves around a small south Texas town, where there aren’t many career options for young people besides oil rigs, the military, or fast-food restaurants. Luz Garcia, a fiery high school athlete, is determined to forge a different future. She’s gained admission to the University of Texas at Austin. The problem is that she can’t afford to go. With her one shot at a scholarship riding on the state power lifting championship, she sees no choice but to bend the rules to ensure her victory. Although Luz’s rashness and frustration land her in increasingly hotter water, they also fuel her with courage and empowerment.
