Valentina
In this humorous docu-comedy, Keyla Monterrose Mejia shines as the titular character Valentina, a beleaguered El Paso resident confronting city council in her campaign for local economic justice.
Director Tatti Ribeiro scheduled to attend.
Tickets
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Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Limited Availability
- On Standby
- Matinee
Friday, May 15, 2026
- Limited Availability
- On Standby
- Matinee
Keyla Monterroso Mejia, known for her scene-stealing supporting roles in "Abbott Elementary," "The Studio," and "One of Them Days," is emerging as a significant comedic talent. In Valentina, she steps into her first lead role as a beleaguered resident in El Paso, overwhelmed by a growing number of parking tickets she can't afford.
In this docu-dramedy, first-time filmmaker and journalist Tatti Ribeiro blends narrative and documentary storytelling. Surrounded by a non-professional cast, including her own family members, Mejia delivers a wry portrayal of the titular character, talking with real residents about immigration tensions and economic instability along the US-Mexico border. Valentina discovers a controversial city program that revokes driver's licenses for unpaid citations, further jeopardizing residents' ability to make ends meet. Determined to make a change, she sets out to testify at the city council.
Ribeiro raises critical questions about policies affecting El Paso's residents by blurring the line between fiction and reality and infusing humor into the film's themes. This approach makes Valentina an entertaining watch with a clear message about injustice and advocacy.
—SuJ'n Chon
- Director: Tatti Ribeiro
- Principal Cast: Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Nathan Monterroso Mejia, Juan Carlos Monterroso, Thaddius ‘Mac’ Callaway
- Country: USA
- Year: 2025
- Running Time: 84 min.
- Producer: Tatti Ribeiro, Noelle Forougi, Jack Pearkes
- Screenplay: Tatti Ribeiro, Noelle Forougi
- Cinematographers: Christopher Ripley
- Editors: Zoe Schack, Tyler Sobel-Mason
- Music: James Pratley Watson
- Awards: Film Independent Spirit Awards 2026 (Someone to Watch Award), Mill Valley Film Festival 2025 (Audience Award), Austin Film Festival 2025 (Audience Award)
- Filmography: Debut Feature Film
- Language: English, Spanish
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- International Sales: franknews
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