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Logline

Siblings embark on a roadtrip to fulfill their father’s final wish, uncovering a family secret that changes their lives forever.

Synopsis

Family drama about Mexican-American siblings who, while honoring their late father’s final wish to return his ashes to Mexico, uncover a family secret: the existence of a half-brother. Their journey to reconnect with their roots becomes a quest to find him, forcing them to confront long-buried truths, rediscover their cultural identity, and grow closer as siblings.

Meet the Filmmakers

Lisset Mendoza — Co-Writer/Director/producer
Lisset Mendoza is a SoCal based filmmaker who has somehow turned family conversations, professional people watching, and the occasional identity crisis into films. Blending humor and heart, Lisset is drawn to stories about the everyday things in life and highlighting characters that almost blend into the background, preferring the kind humor that can make you laugh one moment and quietly wreck you the next.. Her upcoming feature film, Finding Jose, follows siblings reconnecting with their roots to deliver their father’s final wish, inspired by her own childhood experiences visiting her family in Mexico. Similarly, her recent short film, Las Flores, grew from a heartfelt conversation with her mother and explores the complexities of memory, family, and belonging. Through her work, Lisset aims to capture the nuances her own Mexican-American experiences while exploring universal themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery.

Jake Hilger — Cinematographer/Producer
Jake Hilger is an award-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, and producer with a passion for visual storytelling. His work combines technical expertise with a keen eye for capturing the emotional heart of every scene. A longtime collaborator with Lisset Mendoza, he has played a pivotal role in the development of Finding Jose as both a cinematographer and producer, providing essential guidance and support to bring the project to life. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to craft stunning visuals make him an invaluable member of the Finding Jose team.

Nadia Brito — Producer
Nadia Brito is a celebrated Mexican filmmaker based in Cuernavaca, Mexico, with a remarkable career as a documentary filmmaker. Her work has garnered critical acclaim, including praise from the Mexican president herself, reflecting her ability to tackle compelling stories with depth and introspective eye. Nadia has also been a longtime collaborator with Lisset Mendoza, working on various projects over the years. Her life in Mexico and her expertise in storytelling will bring in her unique perspective and dedication to ensuring the film authentically captures the heart of the Mexican experience.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.