“★★★★★ With a stunning performance from newcomer Carlie Guevara, The Garden Left Behind is transgender authenticity at its finest.”
— Daniel Solzman,
“★★★★★★★★★☆ This new and completely mesmerizing movie from queer Latinx filmmaker Flavio Alves makes such a crucial contribution to the continuing dialogue on the transgender community.”
“Guevara is a revelation. Endlessly watchable, she exudes a warm vulnerability that is relatable.”
— Norman Gidney,
ABOUT THE FILM
LONG SYNOPSIS
THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND traces the relationship between Tina, a young Mexican trans woman, and Eliana, her grandmother, as they navigate Tina’s transition and struggle to build a life for themselves as undocumented immigrants in New York City.
As Tina begins the process of transitioning, Eliana struggles to understand Tina and fears that their life together in America is no longer what they bargained for. Tina finds camaraderie in a small but mighty transgender advocate group, but soon, Tina finds herself having to fight for the life that she’s meant to live—facing violent threats, seemingly insurmountable medical costs, questions about her legal immigration status, and increasing skepticism from the man she loves.
She begins to lose all hope, but has unknowingly become the only hope for a shy young man who has been watching her closely from afar.
Director Flavio Alves
Writers John Rotondo, Flavio Alves
Producer Roy Wol
Co-Producers Kristen Parker Lovell, John Flynn, Frances Lozada
Associate Producers Devin Lowe, Andrew Daniels
Editor Alex Lora
Cinematographer Koshi Kiyokawa
Costume Designer Steve Iskowitz
Sound Tim Korn
Music Robert Pycior
Cast Michael Madsen, Ed Asner, Carlie Guevara, Danny Flaherty, Alex Kruz, Anthony Abdo, Miriam Cruz, Tamara M. Williams, Dawn Young
FESTIVALS
2019: SXSW (World Premiere)
AWARDS
Audience Award—Visions (SXSW), Audence Award—Narrative Feature (Wicked Queer Boston), Audience Award for Best Feature Narrative (Translations), Best of the Fest (Bentonville), Best Drama Feature Jury Award (North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival), Best Supporting Performance—Miriam Cruz, Best Lead Performance—Carlie Guevara, and Best Director—Flavio Alves (North Louisiana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival), Grand Jury Prize—New Director’s Feature (Nashville), Audience Award (Louisville LGBT), Richard Propes’ Social Impact Award for Best Narrative Film (Heartland), QueerScope Prize (Hamburg LGBT)
AVAILABLE TERRITORIES
The World
EXHIBITION FORMATS
DCP, Blu-Ray
PRESS KIT
Download Press Kit
AVAILABLE PRESS IMAGES (click to preview)
