Gun Hill Road a film full of drama

By GalaTView staff

Photos by Alfonso De Elias.

After three years in prison, Enrique (Esai Morales, who also executive produced) returns home to the Bronx to find the world he knew has changed. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes), struggles to hide an emotional affair, and his teenage son Michael (introducing newcomer Harmony Santana), explores a sexual transformation well beyond Enrique’s grasp and understanding.  Unable to accept his child, Enrique clings to his masculine ideals while Angela attempts to hold the family together by protecting Michael.  Still under the watchful eye of his parole officer, Enrique must become the father he needs to be or, once again, risk losing his family and freedom.

Can a father’s fierce love for his family overcome his street-hardened ideas about manhood and end the vicious cycle controlling his life?

Writer/director Rashaad Ernesto Green’s first feature film is an intricate portrait of a family divided told with sensitivity, gentle humor, and deep understanding of an environment that shapes its people.  GUN HILL ROAD premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and recently screened as part of the ImageNation Cinema Foundation and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and is the Opening night of Outfest Film Festival 2011

Michael Sanchez or Vanessa (Harmony Santana) :”He is very shy, reserved, quiet and I was very lucky when I met  Rashaad in a Gay parade giving flyers for an audition. When he saw me he mentioned that he needed people like me. After that, I told him that I want to play Harmony and in the second casting when I was wearing like a woman I got the role. My message for the gay community is that never be afraid of this society. You have to fight for your dreams. I have friends that committed suicide because of this society that rejects us. So you always have to be brave and never give up your dreams.”