Four stories based in NC: a magic kite that reunites a family torn apart by deportation; an animated documentary about a devoted caretaker, her chronically ill husband, and the power of undying love; a grandson’s innocent recounting of him and his abuela’s journey, filled with tragic losses and new found hope; and a behind the scenes look at Charlotte’s vibrant Latin music scene and the making of an album during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cuatro historias basadas en NC: Una cometa mágica que reúne a una familia desgarrada por la deportación; un documental animado sobre una devota cuidadora, su marido crónicamente enfermo, y el poder del amor eterno; el inocente relato de un nieto sobre el viaje suyo y de su abuela, lleno de pérdidas trágicas y nuevas esperanzas encontradas; y una mirada entre bastidores a la vibrante escena musical latina de Charlotte y la realización de un álbum durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

The Magic Kite (2021) by Rosalia Torres-Weiner

Run time: 10 minutes / Language: English

The Sanchez family is in crisis when Tito's father is deported back to Mexico. As the family adjusts to this difficult new reality Tito discovers a magic kite. Determined to bring his family back together, he takes to the skies with his mother and little sister, embarking on a journey to a magic land of stones and scorpions. This beautiful story, rich with the wonder of magical realism, provides hope and compassion to any family dealing with some kind of separation.

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Chilly & Milly (2021) by William D. Caballero

Run time: 9 minutes / Language: English

11 years after filming a documentary about his family, director William David Caballero returns home to revisit scenes from his documentary with his parents, Chilly & Milly. Chilly, William’s father, is a diabetic with kidney failure, whose illness detrimentally affects his and his family’s lives. Milly sees her sole purpose in life as taking care of her loved ones. While watching the documentary, Chilly and Milly discuss their life together, and their successes and setbacks in life. When Chilly passes away during the pandemic, Milly comes to terms with her loss.

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Abuela (2021) by Sean Burleson

Run time: 9 minutes / Language: English

The story of Abuela is told through the eyes of “José”, her grandson. His innocent recounting of their journey emphasizes the tragic loses they have faced over the years. But where there was once hopelessness, there is now hope.

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The Final Note (2022) by ÚltimaNota

Run time: 35 minutes / Language: English and Spanish with subtitles

A behind the scenes look at Charlotte’s vibrant Latin music scene and the making of an album during the COVID-19 pandemic. This documentary tells the story of Tony Arreaza and his band, UltimaNota, and their long trajectory to record this album with a host of local guest musicians — from initial ideation to rehearsals to recording and production.

*Hecho Aquí: Shorts Showcase will be followed by a conversation about Charlotte's Latin music scene and the making of 'The Final Note', with special guests guitarist and founder of Carlotan Talents, Tony Arreaza, saxophinist Oscar Huerta and local singer Ana Lucia Divins.

View the full Cine Casual Film Series lineup: cinecasual.com/filmseries