The Mother

Miguel (Javier Mendo) is only 14, but has already taken on countless responsibilities. His mother, Carmen, is unemployed and emotionally unstable, so Miguel does the housework, sells what he can and shoplifts when he has to. When social services comes calling, Miguel, preferring freedom at all costs to state assistance, flees. He winds up staying with Carmen's ex and befriends the proprietor of a bar. Meanwhile, Carmen has disappeared. (Miami Film Festival)