Arts Circle, Film Lover, Secret (shhh…) Members and Fellows (with an active Membership), you and a guest are invited to Programmers’ Picks, a curated screening series taking place at the Film Independent Theater. Make sure to take advantage of your exclusive priority registration window, after which all Film Independent Members will have the opportunity to register.

Join us for Valentina, followed by an in-person conversation with with writer/director Tatti Ribeiro, moderated by Kate Mason (Programmer, Film Independent).

Valentina is a young woman caught between small debts and the daily pressures of life in a border town. After receiving parking tickets she cannot afford, she sets out to pay them, believing it will be a quick task. Instead, she is pulled into a cycle of errands, conversations and delays that stretch across 48 hours. Going back and forth between El Paso and Juárez, she deals with the constant reminder of limited money. The film follows her through this short time in her life, where she is derailed by a crippling combination of laziness, debt, bureaucracy, partying, and imposing members of a close-knit family. Real people and places fill her world, grounding her story in daily life on the border. What begins as a practical attempt to settle fines grows into an honest portrait of life in El Paso.

Valentina has played at and won awards at film festivals including the Mill Valley Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, Florida Film Festival, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Brooklyn Film Festival, Bentonville Film Festival, San Luis Obispo Film Festival, and Seattle International Film Festival.

Filmmaker Tatti Ribeiro won the Someone to Watch Award, which is given to an exceptional emerging director, at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.

Registration will open to all Film Independent Members on August 25.
 
2025, 86 minutes, color | Written by Tatti Ribeiro, Noelle Forougi | Directed by Tatti Ribeiro | Main Cast Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Nathan Monterroso Mejia, Juan Carlos Monterroso, Thaddius ‘Mac’ Callaway | Produced by Jack Pearkes, Tatti Ribeiro, Noelle Forougi, Keyla Monterroso Mejia | Executive Produced by Jessica Alba, Tracey Nyberg
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting on Tuesday, August 25. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

Film Lover Members, Secret Members and Fellows (with an active Membership) receive priority entry to this event. Email [email protected] for more.

Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. For information about Arts Circle, contact Jennifer Murby at [email protected].
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as one hour prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.