The first annual Viva! Latino Film Festival NYC Int’l had its opening night premiere on Friday with the film “Strike One”. The coming-of-age crime drama, Strike One takes place in the L.A. community of Boyle Heights. It illuminates the injustice of California’s controversial Three Strike Law and how it unfairly targets our youth. This is where ex-convict turned actor, Manny Garcia (Trejo) lives, and he is determined to steer his nephew Juan (Ortiz) away from falling victim to the trappings of living in a gang-controlled neighborhood and a prejudiced juvenile criminal system.
Some of the films stars including Maria Isa and Lawrence Smilgys (who are standouts in the film) were in attendance. The cast took part in a Q&A as well as a performance by Maria (seen below).