East Side Story

Property is hot (in more ways than one) in EAST SIDE STORY. It's the gay community that's staking their claim against traditional Latinos in this territorial battle in East Los Angeles. As social tension escalates between the two groups, closeted Diego grapples with his own problems as a gay Latino. Nearly 30, Diego still lives at home with his traditional Mexican grandmother. Little does she know, Diego has been secretly seeing hunky realtor Pedro for the past year. When Diego asks Pedro to run away with him, Pedro abruptly refuses, denying his homosexuality. Days later, Pedro starts dating Diego's overly flamboyant aunt Bianca, who can't seem to figure out why Pedro doesn't want to have sex. Distraught, Diego longs to get out of LA, but his responsibilities at the family restaurant are holding him back. When handsome, unbelievably nice, but also very attached Wesley moves across in the street, Diego's life becomes even more complicated. In his first film, director Carlos Portugal aptly explores the pertinent issue of gentrification using eccentric characters and an emotionally engaging story. (In English and Spanish with English subtitles) – E.J.B