Dirt (2003)

Dolores is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who works as a housemaid in New York City. Under the constant fear of likely deportation, she wonders whether she should return to her ... See full summary »

Director:

Nancy Savoca

Writers:

Richard Guay, Nancy Savoca

Stars:

Julieta Ortiz, Deborah Hedwall, John Tormey

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julieta Ortiz	...	Dolores (as Julietta Ortiz)
Deborah Hedwall	...	Suzannah (as Debra Hedwall)
John Tormey	...	Mike
Franklin Rodríguez	...	Manny Ortega (as Frank Rodríguez)
Amanda Queen	...	Becky
Nathaniel Freeman	...	Gerard
Yvette Mercedes	...	Mona
Martina Guay	...	Girl with hamster
Anne Murray	...	Helen Cambridge
Julio Cano	...	Boarder
Ignacio Guadalupe	...	Rodolfo
Jon Budinoff	...	Rudy
Gloria Irizarry	...	La Loca
Jamie Tirelli	...	Don Armando
Celeste Simone	...	Singing teacher

Storyline

Dolores is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who works as a housemaid in New York City. Under the constant fear of likely deportation, she wonders whether she should return to her country. Her decision to leave is strengthened when her life is suddenly complicated by a series of unfortunate events.

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | title directed by female | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Did You Know?

Quotes

Dolores: Hijo de puta! I didn't risk your life for you to throw it to the garbage!

User Reviews

A Rich View Into A Poor World

Dirt has it all - humor, pathos, sex, love, triumph and defeat. In short - it is the human story - one we all share, told in a compelling plot that draws you in from the first frame and keeps you going until the last. It is an immigrant story, to be sure, but it's power lies in it's ability to entertain and engage while exposing the often sad and difficult life of Central Americans working illegally in the US.

You will leave this picture feeling as if you have made new friends - and you will never look at a "cleaning lady" the same way. You will want to spend more time with your new friends and you will recognize a bit of yourself in them. It is not always easy to create a work that combines pathos with comedy - but Dirt does the job seamlessly. I hope Showtime releases this film so more people can see it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

23 January 2004 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canned Pictures Inc., Exile Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1