Filmmaker Statement

The moment in which this short film is set, is right when the decision to let go of Marielitos has been made. I wanted to examine the way in which each character deals and processes this decision leading up to their separation, and the subtle acts of kindness they perform for each other. Although rooted in love and care, these acts of kindness can become cruel very quickly. My experiences with the women from Austin’s domestic worker’s organization MISMA inspired me to make COMADRE. Through the research process I found myself needing to cast a real nanny to play the role of Marielitos. I felt this was the only way to keep truthful to the portrayal of the beautiful, brave, complex and humorous women I met through the process of developing this project.