Romantico

In Romantico, we meet Carmelo Muniz Sanchez, a 57-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico. Carmelo lives in San Francisco. With his friend Arturo accompanying him on the guitar, he sings in cafes and restaurants to earn money to send to his family in Mexico. Romantico is a striking portrayal of the difficulties Carmelo has trying to support his family.

Historic Relevance

Millions of Mexicans live and work illegally in the United States, and more risk crossing the border every day. In Romantico, Carmelo tells the story of his expensive journey and how he arrived in Los Angeles jobless and penniless. He called his friend Arturo, who convinced him to come to San Francisco, where they started working as musicians by night and at a carwash by day.

Social Interest

Carmelo misses his family, and the filmmakers follow him on his trip back to Mexico to visit them. It’s a risky undertaking, since there’s no guarantee Carmelo will be able to cross the border back into the U.S. When he gets to Mexico, he starts looking for a job there, but plans to return to the U.S., where he earns more for his hard work, in a few months. He tried to get a work visa, only to hear that he doesn’t qualify. Carmelo is torn between two worlds: should he go back to the U.S., where he can earn more than he ever could in Mexico, or should he choose to stay with his family?

Extra

Romantico was a success at various festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival, the Los Angeles Film Festival and Silverdocs, and has been nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.

Scenes

Carmelo and Arturo playing the guitar to earn money
With his friend Arturo accompanying him on the guitar, Carmelo sings in cafés and restaurants to earn money to send to his family in Mexico.
Carmelo tells the story about his journey to the USA
Millions of Mexicans live and work illegally in the United States, and more risk crossing the border every day.
Carmelo goes to Mexico to visit his family
It’s a risky undertaking, since there’s no guarantee Carmelo will be able to cross the border back into the U.S.
Carmelo tries to get a work visa for the USA
Unfortunately he doesn’t qualify for a visa. At this point Carmelo is torn between two worlds: should he go back to the U.S., where he can earn more than he ever could in Mexico, or should he choose to stay with his family?