'Guadalupe in the Guestroom'

Guadalupe is living in the guest room of her son-in-law, Steve, while she works to translate from English to Spanish the children’s books her deceased daughter has written. Overcome with grief and separated by a language barrier, the unlikely housemates struggle to communicate. As Guadalupe and Steve begin watching a television show together, they bond in unexpected ways, leading them to learn that understanding doesn’t always require speaking the same language. Guadalupe in the Guest Room is a funny and heartfelt celebration of new beginnings, breaking barriers, and the healing power of telenovelas.

“In Guadalupe in the Guest Room, communication about loss and renewal goes beyond mere words … Meneses conveys emotional truths that are difficult to articulate, whether through Claudia’s quirky, fantastical stories or through wordless exchanges that range from violent to compassionate… Guadalupe makes it clear that his is a distinctive voice worthy of attention.” —NJ Star-Ledger

Directed by: James Bruenger-Arreguin