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Michoacán-Born Actress Elpidia Carrillo Presented SOLIDARITY Alongside Airector Dustin Brown at the 24th FICM

Alan Rodríguez

As part of the 24th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), director Dustin Brown presented his debut feature film, Solidarity, alongside the film’s leads: actress Elpidia Carrillo—a native of Michoacán—and actor Mantas Valantiejus.

Óscar Arce, a member of the Mexican Short Film Selection Committee, took the microphone to start the presentation, sharing with the audience that this project began as a short film in 2013.

Solidarity tells the story of a Mexican seamstress and a Lithuanian butcher struggling to survive as immigrants in Los Angeles' Fashion District. Their lives are shaped by loss, hard labor, and an unexpected connection.

The director expressed his gratitude to see a full house at the theater, noting that it was a great honor to present the film in Morelia: “This is a movie that took ten years to make; it’s a cross-cultural story about immigrants, brought to life by Elpidia and Mantas.”

Valantiejus took the opportunity to share his admiration for his co-star: “It’s a huge deal that we’re here—especially having Elpidia Carrillo, an actress of international stature. It’s incredibly moving to have her here, back in her home state.”

Before the screening began, the actress—who hails from Parácuaro—took a moment to share an emotional sentiment with the audience: “Being at such a major festival for the first time, here in my home state, is truly incredible. It’s a dream to be able to share your work with the rest of the world, but bringing your art back to your own land and your own people—that is priceless.”