Alfredo de Villa's energetic debut pays tribute to one of Manhattan's more notorious neighborhoods, the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights. Carlos Ramirez (Manny Perez), an aspiring comic book artist, has dreams of moving downtown and establishing a new life for himself, but his girlfriend, Maggie (Andrea Navedo), is growing tired of his lack of consideration for her own work. When Carlos's father, Eddie (Tomas Milian), is shot at his deli, Carlos is forced to put his dreams aside to keep the business afloat. Meanwhile, Carlos's best friend, Mickey (Danny Hoch), has dreams of his own. Desperate to find enough cash to get to a bowling tournament in Las Vegas, Mickey ends up stealing from Maggie's dangerous brother, Angel (Bobby Cannavale). Just when Carlos sells some work and sees some light at the end of the tunnel, Angel brings yet another sobering dose of reality to the situation.

Based on an idea by Perez, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS was scripted by de Villa and Nat Moss, with dialogue help from acclaimed writer Junot Diaz. The result is a picture that bristles with honesty and vitality. Shot on digital video with a minimal budget, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS is packed with utterly convincing, powerful performances.

Theatrical Release: MAY 9, 2003 (NY)

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Stereo - English

Tomas Milian: Cuban Actor/In Italy
Manny Perez: Actor, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)
Danny Hoch: Performance Artist, JAILS, HOSPITALS AND HIP HOP
Jude Ciccolella: Actor, "24"
Andrea Navedo: actress
Bobby Cannavale: Actor, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)

Alfredo de Villa: Director, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)

Luis Dantas: Producer, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)
Manny Perez: Actor, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)
Tom Donahue: Producer, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)
Alfredo de Villa: Director, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)

Alfredo de Villa: Director, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)
Nat Moss: Actor, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2003)

"...Alfredo de Villa tells the story with an effective warts-and-all honesty....Its depiction of life sidesteps cliches, sticking to the borough of real and plausible human emotion..."
"...A fine and absorbing film....De Villa asks his actors to dig deep and they come through....This well-paced film's realistic style and authentic locales are a perfect fit for the characters and their story..."