Years of working in the food industry have made Juana's hands fast, very fast. She can slice and dice anything you throw at her with great speed and precision. When single-mother Juana lands a position as a kitchen assistant at Osaka Japanese restaurant, a whole new world of cuisine and culture are discovered, far-removed from everything she has ever known. While working in the restaurant's kitchen, Juana secretly observes the sushi chefs and eventually teaches herself to make a multitude of sushi, with a Mexican twist. Her creativity sparked, Juana's re-ignited passion for food drives her to want more from her job and her life. But when she is unable to work there as a sushi chef because she is neither male nor Japanese, Juana embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determined to not let anyone stop her from achieving her dream.

Director's Statement

Arizona International Film Festival was the very first film festival I ever attended with my short film, Who Are They, and I will never forget that great experience. A decade later, I am very happy to return again with my first feature film, East Side Sushi.

Category: Drama.
Themes: Latina, Culture, Women, Mexican Culture, Food.

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