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Choir Practice

Sally Shamrell
United States, 2026, 91 min.

In English.

AIFF Award Winner:
Best First Feature

An unconventional Catholic priest, whose best friend is a cop, befriends a young migrant who survives a dangerous journey through the desert. With a violent cartel hot on the boy's trail, the trio discovers a secret that will challenge their faith, and change their lives forever.

Director's Statement

Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border gave me unique insight to everyday life in 2 countries: While living in Naco, AZ, our family shopped, dined, and attended Catholic Mass and parties in Mexico on a weekly basis. As a TV journalist in the nineties, drug and human trafficking became a focal point of my treasured borderland. As a reporter with extreme empathy, I engaged with many who were willing to share their story, about life's trials, trauma and triumphs along the US/MX border. Many of those personal experiences are woven into Choir Practice.

Category: Drama, Feature, Arizona Film, Action, Award Winner.
Themes: Border, Drugs, Crime.

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