Latin American Film Festival – Paradise/Paraíso

PARADISE | PARAISO. Mariana Chenillo / 105 min / 2014 / Mexico

Childhood sweethearts Carmen and Alfredo live a life of quiet bliss in Satélite, a sleepy suburb outside of Mexico City. When Alfredo is offered a promotion, the lovebirds make the move into the bustling metropolis. It’s a rude awakening for Carmen, who until now has not really worried about the fact that she and Alfredo are both overweight. After overhearing gossip about their bodies at a company party, she decides that it is time to swap donuts for salads, and urges Alfredo to join her in a weight-loss program. But when only one of them actually starts to slim down, a rift emerges in their relationship. Portrayed with undeniable charm by newcomer Daniela Rincon and well-known Andres Alameida, Paradise touches upon issues of body image, self-confidence and happiness with candor and humor.

The film is executive-produced by Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal.

Sponsored by Romance Studies and PRAGDA, UNC-Chapel Hill

For any questions about the Pragda film series, email Prof. Cristina Carrasco (ccarras@email.unc.edu) or Alejandra Marquez (amarquez@live.unc.edu).