Experiencing Interruptions?

In doubt, go left

After his first sexual encounter with his best friend, Maco finds his dead grandmother on the couch in his home. Moral guilt and masculine complexity erupt when, accompanied by his friends on the way to the funeral, one of the car's tires bursts in the middle of nowhere.

  • Mariana S. Belaval
    Director
  • Mariana S. Belaval
    Writer
  • Adrián Borges
    Producer
  • Chema Baiges
    Producer
  • Ian Arduengo
    Producer
  • Adrián Borges
    Key Cast
    "Maco"
  • Marisol Lebrón
    Key Cast
    "Salva"
  • Victor Gomez
    Key Cast
    "Miguel"
  • Ilán Guerrero
    Key Cast
    "Kike"
  • Fátima Ortega
    Key Cast
    "Virgen María"
  • Georgina Borri
    Key Cast
    "Abuela"
    Mal de Amores
  • Victor Villamil
    Key Cast
    "Quenepero"
    Picando Alante
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    En Duda Siempre a la Izquierda
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming Of Age
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    16,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Puerto Rico
  • Country of Filming:
    Puerto Rico
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Columbia College Chicago
  • Keep Walking Films
    San Juan
    Puerto Rico
    September 4, 2024
    Caribbean Premiere
    Finalist
Distribution Information
  • MonoVisión pR
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Theatrical
Director Biography - Mariana S. Belaval

Mariana S. Belaval, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a photographer, filmmaker and writer currently based in Chicago, Illinois. She have a degree in Film Direction with a minor in Philosophy. Her photography is united by the need of expressing and the fear of being forgotten. The thematics of home, identity, the human condition, sex and femininity, are constantly presented and deconstructed in her work.

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Director Statement

My name is Mariana S. Belaval, a Puerto Rican writer and director, and I am thrilled to present my film, “En Duda Siempre a la Izquierda” (In Doubt, Go Left. This film was supported by Johnnie Walker's “ Keep Walking Films” initiative in Latino America, where I was honored to compete alongside over 150 talented Caribbean filmmakers in this groundbreaking call for Latinx scripts.

The driving force behind this project stems from a deeply personal experience—my own coming-out journey. I was filled with fear, particularly about how my grandmother, an important figure in my life, would react to my truth. This story captures those raw emotions and the complexities of identity within the context of my Puerto Rican upbringing.

With the generous support of the Keep Walking Films Grant, we were able to develop a narrative that is both unique and authentic, while steering away from the usual Latino stereotypes often seen in media. We were fortunate to receive mentorship from industry professionals, including Glorimar Marrero Sánchez (director of La Pecera, Sundance 2023, Goya Awards nominee), Mariem Pérez Riera (Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It, Maldeamores), and Puerto Rican actor Amaury Nolasco.

Given the personal nature of this project and the cultural significance it holds, I believe our film offers a fresh perspective on Latinx storytelling and hopefully, will resonates with the audience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly hope you enjoy our film.

Warm regards,
Mariana S. Belaval
Writer/Director, “En Duda Siempre a la Izquierda”