American Visa

After his well-intentioned attempt at obtaining an American visa fails, a Bolivian teacher finds that aspiring to the American dream can have severe consequences. After his first application is denied, Mario is left waiting listlessly in La Paz for a black market opportunity to secure his visa. He spends the majority of his time at the Hotel California, where he develops a relationship with a prostitute seeking a simplistic change to her current circumstance. As Mario's singular focus on his visa leads him to succumb to his own weaknesses, AMERICAN VISA's ancillary characters contribute to the film's full exploration of the apprehension and corruption that surround contemporary global politics. With skillful cinematography that juxtaposes comfortable, intimate moments with equally uneasy and brutal public moments, AMERICAN VISA captures the current political mood while fully developing a timeless story of the depths of human emotion. AMERICAN VISA is Bolivia's submission for Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award (In Spanish with English subtitles) – J.B.H.