Límite

Best International Short Film

Runtime: 30 minutes
Directed by: George Nicholas

Overview:
Manuel is a 16-year-old living in Tijuana, Mexico with his grandfather while his mom works in the United States. When he meets a girl, he sees an opportunity to assert his independence, but what he doesn’t know about her will push him to the limit. Inspired by real events.

Director Biography – George Nicholas:
George Nicholas is a Bulgarian American filmmaker born in Slovakia in 1987. His short films include fiction as well as documentary work and have garnered awards from festivals in California, West Virginia, and New York. He has been living in Los Angeles with his wife and creative partner, Eliza Bonev, since graduating from Bulgaria’s National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in 2011.

Director Statement:
“Límite” is my creative reaction to a real event.

On the evening of November 18, 2013, a 16-year-old boy from Mexico attempted to enter the United States with two bottles of unidentified liquid. When questioned by the U.S. border guards, he claimed it was apple juice. Knowing the true contents, the agents demanded he prove it was apple juice. One of the agents made a motion with her hand.

“Drink it.”

This story reminded me of my own teenage experiences. Growing up in a poor country with a lot of crime and corruption, I know first-hand the pressures at play for a teenager in that kind of environment. I thought of the many times I got myself into more trouble than I could handle.

I also recalled the roles adults played in my life and my desire to prove them wrong. Luckily, no one dared me to a deadly game of chicken, as I likely would have accepted.

I felt compelled to tell this story, because I knew that teenager could have been me. Thank you for considering our film for your festival. -George Nicholas