“Emilio” is a coming of age story, about a young man’s will and determination, and the lessons he learns about fate. Director and writer Kim Jorgenson along with the star of the movie, Walter Perez, introduced the film during the Latino Film Festival.

Kim Jorgenson said that his intent was to tell a story about Los Angeles from the perspective of an immigrant. Jorgenson said that he did not intend to make a Latino film, and it was in editing that he realized that over half of the movie was in Spanish.

“Emilio” is about a young man named Emilio Luna who came to the U.S. to look for his sister who was kidnapped in Mexico.

Luna soon realizes that Los Angeles is a cold and large. The movie shows many of Los Angeles, with scenes moving from Venice beach and Beverly Hills to Echo Park and East L.A.

Emilio’s struggle as an immigrant speaks to many in this country. He is a young and naive immigrant, making it easy for others to take advantage.

His story is made unique by his intense focus on finding his sister. Every person he meets soon learns why Emilio is in L.A.

Walter Perez’s portrayal of Emilio Luna is a natural one.

Kim Jorgenson and Walter Perez took questions at the end of the movie about production, cast, and story.

When asked about his choice of Perez for the leading role, Jorgenson said, “directing is 90% casting”, adding that there was no close second to Walter Perez’s interpretation of the character.