Film Forum

U.S, 2002
Directed by Peter Sollett
Starring Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte, Melonie Díaz, Silvestre Rasuk
Approx. 88 min. 35mm.

When word gets out to the kids on Avenue C that Victor Vargas made out with Fat Donna, Victor has to change the story fast—and starts pursuing the most popular girl in the neighborhood. But it’s not so easy when your strict Catholic grandmother threatens to change the locks if you keep chasing girls—and tainting the morals of your younger brother. Directorial debut by Sollett and cast of first time actors created one of the most vibrant portraits of the Loisaida ever put to film.

35mm print courtesy of the Sundance Collection at the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

Reviews

“It’s the kind of movie you know you can trust, and you give yourself over to affection for these characters who are so lovingly observed.”
– Roger Ebert

“Such a level of achievement is almost unheard of in veteran filmmakers, let alone in a director's first feature-length film. It is what reminds us that we're seeing something special... RAISING VICTOR VARGAS is a true find.”
– The New York Times