“Brownsville Bred” is now in theaters from Viva Pictures. This a coming-of-age drama that stars Nathalia Lares as Elaine, who is becoming a teenager. She’s juggling a lot including being raised in a troublesome neighborhood, has a mother who is doing all she can to keep them afloat, and a father she resents. The feature film is written and directed by award-winning Elaine Del Valle. This is her real-life story.

GETTING TO KNOW THE STAR OF THE FILM 

With “Brownsville Bred” now in theaters, I spoke with star, Nathalia Lares. She talks to me about the relationships she built with both Del Valle who she plays, and with Javier Munoz who plays her father. We also talk about what she will take away from this project in her young acting career. It was a great conversation that you can check out below!

ABOUT “BROWNSVILLE BRED”

In 1980s Brownsville, Brooklyn, Elaine is on the cusp of becoming a teenager. She wrestles with her mother’s resilience, the father she resents, and the chaos outside her window—while discovering her Puerto Rican roots and the courage to forge her own path.

Celebrated across festivals and industry circles for its authenticity and cinematic power, the Brownsville Bred short-film won the SXSW Audience Award. The feature was named Critic’s Pick and won the only feature award at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.

ALSO SEE: ‘BROWNSVILLE BRED’: ELAINE DEL VALLE ON HER INSPIRING STORY AND WHAT COMES NEXT | THS INTERVIEW

Early screenings have drawn praise for its unflinching honesty, vibrant storytelling, and heartfelt performances. Cementing the film as one of the year’s most anticipated independent releases. Del Valle is also the recipient of the HBO Latinx Director Award.