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I never imagined how much that message was gonna change my life.

It was like fate.

Before then, my life was pretty predictable.

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved watching movies with my parents.

Then, I started making my own.

Hi, I'm Valeria.

Watch out because my camera can see it all.

My parents didn't like that so much.

Hi, me in the future.

Always remember to record everything you can. So long!

They said it was way too much.

They thought it was an addiction or something

and that movies were going to rot my brain.

The psychologist told them that I needed stimulation,

so they found other activities for me.

Ballet, foxtrot, athletics, figure skating,

painting, sculpture, even the flute,

which was just weird.

All of them failures.

This is my wall of shame, I've got a new one to put on it today.

GUITAR, PIANO, SINGING (VERY HARD), BALLET

Until one day I committed the ultimate sin.

I told my parents I wanted to study cinema.

Making movies is what I like.

"No, Vale. It's just a hobby."

"What video tape is that?"

Studying cinema meant not being a part

of the family business.

I don't get it, it's just elevators.

All about elevators.

"No, Vale. You're not studying film."

"You have to work for Ontiveros Elevators."

-You put in a new tape, right? -Yes, of course.

I did not put in a new tape.

Our wedding tape!

Every morning, the three of us drink

the exact same smoothie for breakfast and talk about we're going to do that day.

So what're you doing today?

I love them, but…

I've gotta go. 'Kay?

They're parents, you know?

-Have a nice day. -What does that even mean?

Regina picks me up at 7:05.

Well, 7:10, usually.

Or seven something.

Vale, I'm around the corner.

This is also part of my morning.

Regina's been my best friend since I was five,

so I'm allowed to say that she's always late.

Things just work out for Regina. That's the kind of person she is.

Not like me.

Hey.

What's up, girl?

Sorry, Vale. My stupid brother made me late.

Hi, Vale.

-Hi, Ritchie. -Okay, let's go.

So who's made us late every single day for the last five years?

Yeah, but time is, like, super relative, ya know?

They never get my jokes.

You're so extra, Vale.

But they're always there.

'Sup to all my Ritchie-lovers?

This is Ritchie.

He's Regina's brother and apparently his mission is to protect us.

Well, that's what he thinks.

-What was that? -Since when are there "Ritchie-lovers"?

Come on!

Turn it up!

-Yeah! -Whoo!

The truth is…

nobody really knows me.

But I'm cool with that!

-Ah. -I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry. I can pay for it later.

-I can't be late. -Yeah, yeah. It's fine, right? Stupid me.

Hey, chill out. I'm just trying to be nice.

Whatever, just leave me alone. You better get to class.

What was that?

What? Come on!

This day can't get any worse,

but I can handle it.

I'm water.

It just flows off me.

New guy!

Lucky day, bro. You're on my team.

Ritchie!

Listen up! We're making teams of five.

This side, let's go.

I never imagined this school would change anything for me.

Alex. Alex…

Taking a look at this scholarship

with these grades, you'll have your pick of any university in the world.

That's amazing.

A lawyer! Hmm?

Like his father.

Attorney at law Alex.

Congratulations.

I am water. I am water.

Just like water takes the shape of the container it's in,

you also have to adapt.

Be like water.

Those were my dad's last words.

The only other thing of his I still have are his kung fu movies.

Ever since then, my only focus has been studying.

I became the best student at my school.

Which is how I got the scholarship offer in the first place.

Bro.

You were so good, man.

Yo, so good.

Thanks.

Oh, but I bet it was easier at your old school.

Yeah, they could never beat us, bro.

-Right? -Hell yeah, man!

Um, I'm going home.

Yeah, sure. Hey, there's a party at my place tonight. Come on down.

No way.

I'm serious.

I really think it would be cool to trade stories

about our realities. Hm?

You know we grew up in the same city, yeah?

Okay, okay.

See you there.

Bring a couple people. Bathing suits too.

No. But thanks.

-Oh, a little party scares the baby? -Hey, bro.

We have to be nice to him, okay?

Come on.

Bro, just leave me alone.

Hey,

it's been over a year since I beat the shit out of someone.

-Hey, detention now. -Got it?

I am water. I am water.

Ramírez Pardo, I need to talk to you about your essay.

Hi, I just wanted to apologize

for waking you up yesterday.

Have a great day.

Ontiveros, phone.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

Actually, please come here.

Yeah.

Can you tell me why instead of an essay, you submitted a video?

Right. I did a video essay for you.

No, I didn't ask for a video.

I asked for an essay, 300 words, 20 lines,

your name and the date,

and you underline the title.

But there are so many interpretations of what that means,

so I chose to present mine in the form of a video essay.

Well, you fail the assignment. Sorry.

Yeah, but, miss, my video is so much better

than some stupid paper I could've written about math formulas.

I didn't want a video, Vale. That's my call.

Why don't we continue the class?

But isn't it your job to turn us into better people, miss?

-Sit down, Ontiveros. -No.

I'm sorry?

I need…

-I need to pass this paper, miss. -I can't pass you this time.

You don't understand.

No, right now you're having a problem with communication.

Yeah, and what would you know about that being on your third divorce?

Second.

I'm surprised by your attitude today.

What was that?

-What's going on? -It's just an essay.

-I was defending my work. -Ontiveros, I'm still talking to you.

Oh, my God, Miss Mony, what is it?

All right, Ontiveros, detention.

I forgive you.

But only because that wasn't the worst part of my day.

If I told you about my day…

Hey, detention now!

So I went to a party, and that's why I texted you.

Or, actually, why I texted the girl who gave me the wrong number.

Did she?

Great!

I was there with my best friend.

She's always challenging me to push my boundaries,

and giving me great advice.

Let's break you out of your little world.

So are you in high school?

Yeah.

I'm about to graduate. I hate it.

Everyone here is the worst

and I don't want to get to know them.

I don't want them to get to know me.

It's too bad that girl gave you the wrong number.

Not really.

'Cause now I have you to talk to.

It is time to be quiet now! Quiet!

I have a massive headache,

so, Sánchez, for once in your life…

-Yes, miss… -Shh!

My God.

-Rafaela? -Hmm?

Here, take it.

So, Vale!

You wanna live a little and stick it to the man.

-Yeah. -Ah, Vale!

Vale, you're so cool!

Ah, well.

You don't wanna be here, and me neither,

so we're gonna have to cooperate.

Okay, every afternoon, starting this Monday,

you're going to be doing the kind of honest work

that your privilege makes you believe is beneath you.

-It's always the same! -Think of it as a little trip to hell.

And I decide when it ends.

-Rafaela? -Hmm?

I can't it. I have other stuff then.

-Really? -Mm-hmm.

Well, I guess you should've thought of that before you got so creative.

-Sick burn! -Shh!

It's okay, Vale. It'll be cool, you'll see. It gets better.

Okay, scoot. Get lost.

It's Friday and I have a hot crochet date after this.

-Rafaela? -Hmm?

Just before everyone goes home,

I wanna apologize to my friend.

Another day, another apology, hm?

Sorry, bro. I really am.

Yeah. It's cool… bro.

So… how are you finding school, then?

Yeah, it's all okay.

It's just okay?

Yeah, it's good.

I'm gonna be staying late for a few days.

For what?

It's like a study group.

Finals are coming up, you know?

Oh, that's great!

A good college means that you'll be able to help us out with the business.

Yeah. The family business.

I told you, that's not what I want.

Vale, it's just a hobby.

It's not, Mom.

It's my passion.

Right, right. Passion.

Why don't you let me tell you a quick story?

-Mm. -About my passion.

About how I ended up in the world of elevators.

-I was only four years old. -Just four!

Dad, I've heard this--

-All thanks to my mother. -My grandma.

We had to carry her wheelchair up the building stairs floor by floor

way up to the eighth floor.

Poor her.

And then, just like Elisha G. Otis, the great inventor of the elevator,

I had a dream.

A dream of an elevator going up eight stories.

And higher…

…all the way to the moon.

-And I chased that dream. -You see?

Mm.

It sounds like you're joking.

No, Mom.

We love that story, Max. It's great.

Isn't it?

-Yeah! -Yeah, fantastic.

Regina invited me to sleep over tonight.

Okay?

Mm-hmm.

Don't stay up late.

No, Mom.

Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot!

Ah!

Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot!

Come on!

That's cheating!

Hey, since when have parties been so boring?

Well, depends on who's there.

Or did your boyfriend not show up?

What is that? A pickup line?

No. There's no boyfriend.

Sorry, I suck at flirting.

I can tell.

Quit while you're ahead.

So, have you always hated parties?

More lately,

but yeah.

Vale, Vale, come on.

They're about to stick a beer up his nose.

No way is this really happening. You are crazy!

This is just like, "Ah!"

Kombucha. You wanna try some?

The only two to survive the party.

Me and Vale, the coolest one.

But I'm not cool, Ritchie.

Saying that makes you that much cooler.

When are your parents coming back?

I'm not really sure. Next week.

I don't bother asking anymore.

Dude, Ritchie, get over here, man.

-You can't believe it. -What? Just a sec.

-What? -Delm is trying to drink beer

out of a trumpet.

Great party.

Zip it!

Hey, you don't touch my crochet. Got it?

Okay. Ritchie, you're with him, your best bud Sánchez.

Yeah!

Montes…

-alone. -Ah…

You two are paired up. Whatever. Ontiveros with García.

Take what you need.

Really?

-Trust me. This is a new pedagogical tool. -Yo, stop it!

I hope you learn something.

Oh, yeah, I'd pick this over the perfect square trinomial.

Go do your homework.

Shoo, shoo, shoo. Don't bother me.

Need help?

No, I got it.

Oh, It's heavy.

No, wait a sec.

Take this.

The water goes in first.

And then we… We're gonna put in these seeds.

Here. Take it.

What are you doing? No!

No. Just put that back! What are you doing?

That isn't the right fertilizer either.

It's fine.

You're messing everything up by doing it like that.

So you never thought that maybe I'm doing it my way?

And you never thought that your way is wrong, maybe?

Okay, do you always do stuff the way you're told to?

Or do you try to improve?

Hey, what is this? You don't even know me.

I know a bit. I heard that you almost killed Miss Mony.

-You know what they say about you? -What?

Nothing. Because you have no friends.

How many friends you got? One?

I had a terrible day.

Again?

Yeah. But this time, it was because of an idiot.

This arrogant, rude, lout.

Go on.

Same thing in my school. There's this unbearable girl.

We should get them together.

That will be the best revenge.

You think I'm gonna tell you my name?

Sure. Right. And how about my address

and my credit card too?

What if you're a psycho?

If I was a psycho, I'd know where you live.

Uh, just kidding.

Tell you what.

These are the rules.

Let's be anonymous and get to know each other for real.

Hmm.

Okay.

Sounds good, Anonymous.

You too, Anonymous.

Do you ever feel like no one really knows you?

Lately…

On the bright side, when no one knows you, you can be whoever you wanna be.

I still don't know who I wanna be.

Me neither.

I don't know, Mom…

Why do we keep using this?

Not sure.

I talked to your principal today.

They'll be sending the university information soon.

Oh, yeah? I'll take a look.

-Alex. -Hmm?

-Alex. -Yeah, Mom. What's up?

You have the opportunity to go to one of the best universities.

Just please don't waste it.

Mom, I won't.

Don't worry about it.

I am so proud of you for getting into that school.

Your dad would be too.

The attorney Alejandro García.

If Dad knew we still had this TV, he'd be less proud.

Hmm.

-Internet's out again. -Oh, yeah. Jovita was having trouble too.

But one day without it

isn't the end of the world.

Mom, I really need the internet, okay?

-I just do. -Okay.

-Oh, hey, Rafaela. -Hmm?

Is this a permanent grouping?

-Mm-hmm. -Alex and I aren't working so great.

And so that's a list of reasons why it's not…

Okay.

You can always team up with Ritchie.

Or stick with Alex, m'kay?

Shoo. Shoo!

-Thanks, Rafaela. -Welcome.

Awesome! Okay, one more.

Alex.

Alex! Can you give me a hand?

-Wait a sec! -Fold it.

No!

Other way!

-No, your other way. -Turn it around!

-Flip it over. Come on! -Turn it this way!

Okay.

You know how to use a brush, right?

Mm. More of a roller guy.

Let's just get this over with.

Fine.

You paint there. I'll paint here.

Hey, can we share music?

Well, it helps me when everything's going wrong.

Oh, you're so nerdy.

What are you laughing at?

-What? -Are you laughing at me?

Uh, no. No I'm not.

Wow! Look at all this socializing!

Ya know, If you wanna chat,

chat with each other.

So ridiculous.

I'm not waiting for you yet.

No, no, no!

Come on! Come on!

No, no, no!

What?

Nothing.

No, tell me. What is it?

No, nothing.

Okay, be like that.

Alex, we can't leave that up there.

What? You scared?

What do you mean scared?

Are you an idiot? Can you see this? It looks like a kindergarten project.

You wanna see a kindergarten project?

Alex, you just stop it right now.

Alex, no!

No!

One extra week.

I can be myself with you.

Not like with the others.

Vale!

Get down here!

I'm coming!

Hey, you.

-Hey. -Hey, girl!

-So what's up? -Not much. You?

What's this stuff on your hands?

Oh, it's nothing.

Cool.

Thanks for coming to the game with me.

Yeah. Just be cool. Don't get too intense.

Me?

You're way off your mark!

Do you even see me out there? You see this?

See that?

Amazing shot!

Just pass! Come on! We got this!

Come on, Lina! Let's go! Let's go, Lina!

Get in there!

You got this, Lina! Yeah!

Come on, Lina!

We're the best! We got this! Yeah, let's go! We got this!

You serious? You gotta get between them!

-Yo, so good. Looking great, Lina! -Yeah, it's good.

That's her over there.

-You remember her, Lina? -Yeah, I know.

Sure you remember?

No, I do.

Looks to me like you've got pretty girls at your school.

-Yeah, but up here they're so empty. -Will you just shut up, asshole?

You got a scholarship, not a Nobel Prize.

Goal!

Goal!

Come on, Lina! Whoo!

Go!

Goal!

Goal!

One, two, three! Fieras!

-Hit on her? But, like, she beat you. -Yeah. Why not?

So what?

-Well, what if she…? -Shh!

Hey, Regina.

Uh, hey.

Lina.

Fun playing against you.

-Yeah, it was. Hi. -What's up, bro?

It's nice to meet you.

You were so good out there, like, wow.

Thanks.

This is you, right?

Yeah. That's me.

Awesome. I'm going to follow you and…

-Like. -And this is you?

-Mm-hm. -Follow back. Done.

Cool.

Well, so maybe wanna go out?

Uh, of course.

See you around, then.

-Cool. -Good game.

-Bye. -Bye.

See how easy that was? You go and ask around for phone numbers.

-Ridiculous! -I know, but…

She asked me out!

Valeria. Come here, please.

What's up?

Why didn't you tell us you were in detention?

And apparently for making a video?

They told us that you were about to attack Miss Mony?

No, I mean, I wasn't gonna attack Miss Mony. No way.

I just got really mad at her while trying to defend my whole project, you know?

Okay, Valeria. No more film studies. It's finished.

What's so funny?

It's nothing, Dad.

Give me your phone.

You serious?

Give me your phone now.

You're taking my phone away from me like I'm 14 years old?

Hand it over.

Not only that. Valeria, you're grounded for the weekend.

That's not fair!

No, it's okay.

Hi, Vale.

Yeah, hey, Mom.

Dad and I are going to the office. Wanna come with us?

I can't.

Homework.

Well, call us if you need us.

How can I call you, Mom, if you still have my phone?

Well, a landline? Hmm?

"Landline, Vale."

MORTAL FURY

Hey, Pushkin.

-Oh? What's up, Vale? -Sorry, I'm late.

It's cool. We canceled it.

I'm kidding! It just got started.

-Hurry up or you won't make it. Go now! -Thanks!

You're gonna pay me after, right?

Come on, Alex.

Double date.

Me, Regina, you, Valeria.

-I'm just swamped. -Mm.

Should've warned me.

Why isn't this working?

It's not the internet.

She just didn't wanna talk to you.

She's not like that.

"She"?

"She" might be an old dude in Tlaxcala with a wife and children.

But Vale and Regi, they exist

and they want to hang out with us.

Oh! Signal.

Did she answer you?

I don't understand this at all.

The Wi-Fi drops at the same time every day.

Alex, come on. Help me out.

And besides, I already told her and she said…

…that he wants to.

Really, though?

He's basic. I'm just not into him.

Vale, help me out.

Just try to have fun.

You know, I'm helping you, so…

-Okay. -You first.

Hey, Dad.

Max, Max, Max, Max…

How many years have we known each other, me and Val?

Ever since we were five, right? We're best friends.

And now it's our senior year of high school.

-Those are super important years for us. -Mm-hmm.

See, we both need a social life.

Like, a lot.

You know that more than anybody.

Yeah.

What do you want?

We wanna go dancing.

Mom told me I wasn't grounded anymore,

-but I can't go anywhere without my phone. -Mmm.

What if I got lost, Max? That's bad right?

-Yep. -That'd be bad.

And my phone would help keep us safe.

That's it, yeah.

Okay.

You have 1,000 messages.

Thanks, Dad.

I love this song.

Yeah, me too.

Sorry I couldn't text back.

It's cool. What are you doing tonight?

I dunno.

-Hey, who you texting? -Hmm?

Who are you texting?

No one.

Well?

Is that what you're wearing?

What? This is rich snobbish.

Snobbish, not First Communion.

Just be yourself, man. Why is that so hard for you?

I don't know either.

Let me guess. You're still talking to that old guy.

Mm.

-Wasn't it that way? -You made me go the wrong way.

-No, Regina-- -Pass me the--

I mean, it makes no sense. How do we get over there?

You have to trust me. I'm the copilot. Go that way.

Okay.

Turn it up. I love this song.

What did Lina write?

I'm running late. She's worried about me.

So cute!

Leave me alone…

-Regina, I'm Lina. -Get that away.

There some…

Oh, Lina!

Regina, you need to calm down or we're not gonna get there.

I'll have a beer, please.

You want something?

I'll have a piña colada.

Thanks.

Hey, thanks.

I'll pay the tip.

Can I tag you?

No.

I don't live for likes.

It's fine.

You were at the movies.

So?

I saw you crying.

You know when Bruce Lee pulls out Chuck Norris's chest hairs?

That was funny.

Yeah, but I wasn't crying for that.

It was-- It was because of something else.

What do you mean?

Because of my dad.

What?

Because my dad died.

Sorry, Alex. I didn't know that.

It was a few years ago.

It was his birthday. He liked Bruce Lee.

That's why I went.

Now I'm getting too intense, sorry.

Mm…

Yo, this is so much better than I thought. You want one?

Oh, no, I'm okay.

Let's try to have fun.

This is a frickin' amazing club.

I didn't know you knew how to paint.

I didn't know you couldn't do anything.

Hey, wanna dance?

You can dance too?

I took lessons in ballet, foxtrot, salsa, jazz, Cumbia…

-What about this, though? -No.

Awesome!

-Really? Can you? -Yeah.

It's party time!

No.

Rise and shine!

Come on, wake up!

-Shove over. -Regina, are you serious?

Your breath stinks.

-Sorry, I'm excited about all of this. -I can tell.

Girl, like, there's something between you and Alex.

I can feel it now.

If not, well, there will be.

We're gonna be so happy the four of us.

Chill out, please.

I had fun with him. That's it.

Vale, how do I explain to you the majesty of you break dancing?

Oh, no.

-Why didn't you call her? -I don't have her number.

Ask her for it.

Alex, don't let her go!

Look, Lina, we talked,

we bought a piña colada, and that's it.

She's just way cooler than she should be.

Well, it's been a long time since I've seen you…

Making you the absolute best chilaquiles in the whole world?

We'll see.

-Mm. Mm-hmm. -Yeah. We'll see.

Mm. It's just… the cinnamon. It's crazy.

Alex.

Alex. Alex.

It's very important

to me that you start filling out those college applications.

We can figure out which box you belong in.

What if I don't belong in any of them?

We all belong in some box, Alex.

Listen,

you could do anything.

Just like maybe…

Elon Musk.

-Yeah. Like Elon Musk. -Exactly.

Sure,

but why would I want to be like Elon Musk?

Well, fame, for one.

But I'd rather be a nobody and help people.

I'm sorry, but I got class.

Don't be late for class.

Sorry. I didn't think I'd make it back.

It's okay. Here.

By the time you're done yacking, you'll be my age.

Paint a blue square and a white stripe and ta-da!

You're young, aren't you? Just get creative.

I can't get over your break dancing.

Hey, we cool?

Yeah, we're cool, bro.

What were you laughing at anyway? I like jokes.

Nothing, Ritchie. It's just, he… It's hard to explain.

Right. Yeah.

Well, I make jokes too. Like funny ones. Amazing.

Oh, like this one. Here…

-It's too good. Here. -Ritchie!

Just a minute, Rafaela. Just a sec.

Okay, so, yeah, there I was driving fast, right--

Ritchie!

Don't make me come over there.

Later.

Bro.

Bro.

Ritchie, I've told you…

Hey, what's up with your friend?

He's always trying to get on my good side.

He's had a few problems, you know?

He's not like Regina. I think he misses his parents.

What?

Wanna see a movie?

-Not if you don't want to. -No.

I mean, yes.

Um…

I want to.

Okay. But, I mean, no crying, right?

Yeah, I know, I know. But seriously.

Ah!

-You always like movies? -Yeah.

Did you always know it was for you?

Yeah. Well, I didn't know I wanna go into it one day, but yeah.

Right, but why movies?

What? Was that bad, or…?

No, it's just that nobody's ever asked me that before.

That's weird.

But…

Well, ever since I was little,

I've always loved creating characters and stories about whatever.

And those moments were the ones where I felt in control.

So making videos, for me, has always been a refuge.

It was like the one and only place where I felt I could be the one

to set the rules and build something for me.

And…

Yeah, that's about it.

Wow.

Actually, when I taped over my parents' wedding tape,

they got super mad at me because I…

Because I broke their camera and they wouldn't let me use it.

And, well, that was it. It was broken.

And you?

Me?

What about me?

What do you want?

Well…

I'm not sure. I wanna be different.

I wanna change the world, you know?

But…

I dunno. I dunno what I wanna do.

Yeah, but you must be thinking of college.

You could get into any college you want.

But that's not my thing, you know?

Just because everyone tells you you're good doesn't mean you are.

Then I don't get it.

What's all the work for? Why do it at all?

Well, ever since I was a kid, I promised my dad

that I'd, you know, work hard…

I don't know.

Explanations are overrated.

It's so cool you like movie stuff.

I admire you.

Seriously.

It's just a dream.

Doesn't have to be a dream.

I've got an idea.

You bring your camera to school tomorrow I'll fix it for you.

-For real? -Mm-hmm.

You wanna come over?

Uh…

Uh-- Like now?

Yeah.

-You want to? -No. I mean, yeah. Let's go.

-Yes. -Okay.

Let's go, then.

Come on.

Welcome to my lair.

Ever since my parents

started trying to get me to do other things,

-I've been decorating my wall of shame. -Not really shame.

Just reminders of what you're bad at and what you're good at.

Yeah. I can always break dance.

-Uh, Little Things? -Yeah, that was a comic I loved.

You keep it. You'll like it.

Thanks.

Yeah. It's this one.

It's old, but so pretty.

Let's see.

Okay.

Done. It had a short circuit, but it should work now.

Really?

You wanna test it?

Okay, but no laughing.

Hi, I'm Valeria.

Watch out because my camera can see…

Hey, you promised, Alex!

What? It's cool!

I recorded everything.

Everything they did, everything I did.

But one day, my parents told me I was gonna grow out of it.

I bet you can convince them.

No.

So why don't you just film on your phone like a normal person?

If I filmed on my phone, I'd just be like everyone else.

I'm very impressed with you, Miss Director.

I was just a kid.

My mom's the same way.

She doesn't know I want something more.

Well, that makes two of us, then.

Vale, come downstairs!

All the way to the moon.

And because I chased my dream.

It's important to be committed.

Like Vale, right?

Exactly.

One day, she'll be part of Ontiveros Elevators.

If you follow your dream, the rest will follow.

Everything falls in place.

That's been our philosophy since 1997.

Ninety-six, Max.

Ninety-six.

How about you, Alex? What are you studying after high school?

I… I don't know, maybe…

Well, I was thinking about maybe--

Hey, Mom. Alex has to go now. It's late.

-Oh, no. -Already?

Dinner was so good. Thank you so much.

No…

-I'll be right back. -But wait, your pizza.

Well, you barely ate.

-Bye, Alex. See you. -Thanks.

-Bye, Vale. -Bye.

How do you know if someone likes you?

Do you have a boyfriend?

No, but you know that guy I didn't like?

I dunno. Does he make you laugh?

Have you gone to the movies? Have you kissed? Is he cool?

He has to be.

No. He's kinda weird.

I don't know him that well.

There's a girl at my school. It's obvious she likes me.

She follows me everywhere, laughs at my jokes.

You're serious?

Yeah, obviously. If you like her, go on.

We can say this stuff to each other, right?

Well, I don't know if I like her.

And yeah, of course, we can say this stuff to each other.

We're friends.

Thanks, friend.

You're welcome, friend.

-Hey. -Hi.

Ready to go?

Mm-hmm.

Great.

You hear about karaoke?

Yeah, I did.

I think it's fun there, but we can go somewhere else.

No, no, no. It'll be so much fun.

Something different. We'd better go there just to see what it's all about, you know?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Oh, hey, this gardening stuff has been really good for me so far.

I mean, instead of film, maybe I should garden more.

What do you think?

Uh…

I…

More fertilizer.

Okay. Be cool.

Poor them.

Can I ask you something serious?

As a friend?

Sure.

The girl I told you who likes me?

Well, we agreed we'd go out sometime, but I'm not so sure.

About what?

Well, I don't know what she's really like.

Like, maybe I don't know her as well

as I know you.

So get to know her.

Anyone would be lucky to date someone like you.

You've got a huge heart, you're smart, awesome.

A super nerd.

I'm serious.

If she doesn't like you, she's a fool.

Thanks, you're the best.

I know you're gonna meet someone cool too.

Wow!

Sorry. That was probably pretty cliché, right?

No, not at all.

So is the outfit good for tonight?

Yeah, you're perfect.

Here! Pass. Pass.

Vale.

You're up.

No, I can't. No.

Bro, she's… Vale doesn't feel comfortable.

She can decide.

It doesn't have to be perfect.

Okay.

Come on!

Come on, Vale!

Yeah!

Love this girl! Yes!

Cheers!

Okay, who's with me?

Pool time! Come on! Whoo!

Seriously?

Whoo!

I told you guys this'd be fun.

Hey, come here for a sec.

You've got some really retractable features, ya know?

Oh, wait, no. Attractive.

But hey, hey.

I still wanna sing,

because today… today I feel so free.

All right. One more for all you…

Yeah, Vale! That's my best friend.

Salute!

I love my country.

Come on, Vale. Shit!

She sings very well.

No, no, no, no.

-No! Vale, no! -No!

Oh, that's rough.

Oh, my neck.

Ah, I'm sorry.

My head.

Good morning.

I think.

What did I do?

After you threw up?

I puked?

It wasn't bad, because then you kept running around

saying it was the absolute best night of your life.

But then you started crying because you said you were hungry.

Then because you were sleepy.

Then because you were cold.

But apart from that, you were okay.

Everything hurts.

-Hey. -Hmm?

I had a great time.

Yeah, me too.

Jovita.

Good morning.

Sure, I can come by…

I'm just not home right now. In about an hour, an hour and a half.

I'll be there.

Yep. I'll let you know.

Okay. Bye.

Do you wanna come with me?

I'll make you the best chilaquiles ever.

I promise.

Okay.

No, it's the same for everybody.

And not because you're giving it to me for free, right?

No, it's not like that.

This boy is a gift to us all.

He gets Wi-Fi to all of us in the building for free.

Doesn't charge a penny.

Of course he's always been very intelligent.

-It's easy. -Yeah, that's Alex.

That's him indeed. He's like that.

-Hey, Alex. -Yeah?

Your friend here looks pretty smart too.

Oh, I don't know about that.

Yeah, she is.

There you go. Yeah, the Internet just came back on its own.

Oh, thank you so much, Alex!

-Here's that book you wanted to borrow. -Oh, thanks.

Oh, and please, take some bread with you. Go on.

Yeah, of course, thanks.

Shall we go?

Yes. Thank you, Jovita.

You take care now.

Mm.

Mm.

Yeah, you weren't lying. These are pretty good.

Well, I told you.

Oh, thanks for coming to see Jovita, but it bugs me why the internet's weird.

I found out recently that something's,

like, interfering with it.

As in my lamp, my washing machine, the fridge. I don't know.

Well, I'm not sure.

So you give them free Wi-Fi?

Yeah, well, it's easy.

Plus, some of the people can't pay.

Well, there are some can pay,

so I make sure they do.

So that's what you do, then.

-What? -You help.

-Mm. Well… -Hello.

Mom.

This is Vale.

-Hi. I'm so happy to meet you. -Nice to meet you.

I don't always look like this.

You look just fine.

-Okay. -Please, call me Vero.

Good to meet you.

I just came for the chilaquiles.

The very best in the city.

They're super good.

-Told you. -You know,

even though he can make delicious chilaquiles…

…he still needs to study.

You'll help me remind him, right, Vale?

I just want what's best for my son.

On my way out.

Bye, Vale. It was good to meet you.

-Nice to meet you. -Bye, Mom.

Helping is cool.

Hey.

How'd it go yesterday?

It was good, but…

Well, then you should've invited me.

They're so perfect together.

Yeah. My friend's a bit dumb, but he's a really awesome dude.

Who? Vale and Alex?

Yeah.

Whoa!

Valex.

Did you see them together? They're adorable.

-You think so? -Yeah.

Yeah, I don't see it.

Alex is fine, but he's…

Hey, what? What?

What's wrong you, Ritchie?

Alex might be an idiot who asks for phone numbers, but he's cool.

Well, I'm not sure I'd necessarily call him that.

My brother, right?

Okay, fine, he's cool.

It's just that Vale's cooler, and I'm…

Ta-da!

Bravo.

That is just horrendous.

At least you learned a valuable lesson.

Always fight for your dreams,

because you will have to overcome complete ineptitude.

You might wanna begin asking yourselves some important questions,

like who am I, where am I going,

how do I pay my taxes?

Because you think you have time now. I thought I had time, no.

No.

One day, you believe you're the chic one, the pretty one, the one nobody deserves.

Then you wake up with nothing but your sciatica.

Pain that makes you wish you'd die.

Or maybe that you'd choked to death at Communion,

but no, you're mercifully still alive.

And the only thing that brings you any measure of joy

is finding a promo for whiskey and a bag of ice in the freezer.

Well, then. Congratulations. Your detention is over.

Vale, wait up!

What're you doing?

Oh, nothing. I was supposed to go back to detention.

That's funny.

Yeah.

-Hey, I was wondering if… -Um, it's…

-Go. -No, you first.

-No, you go. -You go.

Why don't you go first, and then I'll go after that? Okay?

Well, do you maybe want to get something to eat, or…

I have to go pick up a book.

-Ah, well, okay. That's fine. -But you wanna come with?

Yeah.

-Okay. -Okay.

-Come on. -Let's go.

Shh!

Shh!

You suck!

Well, I was supposed to sign up for this group

that brings internet to communities.

So? Why didn't you?

Alex, I'm sure your mom will get it. Tell her.

Fine, but first you have to tell your parents

you're studying cinema, then.

Um, we were talking about you.

Oh.

Besides, my parents have already said no.

It's not for me.

Bye.

Hey…

May I have your number?

"Yeah, Alex."

I think it just happened.

What?

I met someone cool.

Is it wrong if I feel sad?

No.

I just wanted you to be the first person to know.

Because I like you too.

Okay,

so you flirt online with this girl anonymously, right?

She's the one who--

She only writes to you when she's horny, right?

Lina… she's not like that.

She is virtual.

You have no idea.

You haven't met her.

Maybe you don't even like her.

Maybe I do.

It's just so…

Like, the person who's never dated is now in love with two guys.

No. I'm not in love, okay?

You don't know a thing about him.

Come on. I know lots.

And on the other hand, Vale, she's cool, she's hot.

And above all, she knows you're an asswipe and accepts you anyway.

And she's my girlfriend's best friend too.

Yeah, but she doesn't like me.

Does she?

I feel like I'm cheating on him.

Alex or Anonymous?

Well, both of them.

I didn't think you were the kind of guy

who'd like having two girlfriends.

It's not right to string them along.

Especially not a girl like Vale.

Yeah, Vale's Vale, okay?

But there's something about Anonymous.

I just can't stop talking to her.

I get it, Alex! I really do.

Now please just choose Vale

so we can all go to prom together.

Don't make it complicated.

I'll think about it.

Fine, dude.

I guess I'm saying I don't know if I would've had a chance with Alex

if it wasn't for Anonymous.

Mm.

I have a serious question for you.

Lemme see.

If the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs was a space ship,

are we aliens?

Oh, so confused.

It's so funny though.

Yeah, so funny. You have no idea.

Okay.

I'm going to meet him.

What if he doesn't like me though?

You just get over him.

You have Alex.

Okay.

Yeah, we do. I'll wear my holey jumper.

My favorite.

And I'll wear my red hat.

It's so ridiculous.

Where should we meet?

I'll text you.

See you tomorrow.

Yo, bro, bro! Hey, what's up, man?

Hey, I'm good.

Yeah, that's cool, dude.

So what's up with Vale?

What do you mean?

Hey, come on. I already know, man.

But, well…

I wanted to talk to you, only because I care about you.

So the truth about her is that she's trouble, you know?

No one can stay with her for long.

Really?

Yeah, wait. You know Timmy.

She so totally broke his heart, man.

Poor Timmy.

Poor, hurt Timmy. Poor guy. Yeah.

But anyway…

What I'm trying to say is just be careful, okay?

She's not a bad person. Not at all. She's great.

I've known her for, like, forever, and it's just how she is.

Mm-hmm.

Well, first she shows you the videos,

then it's talking about her favorite movies, weird comics.

-You know? -Yeah.

It's like she'll be super into something, then that's it.

She's like that with everything.

I love her a lot, but that's just how she is.

She's got issues, like, a bunch.

I mean, going out with her right now is a good idea.

Have fun, get to know her a bit, then it's back to the safe stuff.

Mm-hmm.

Because you're not planning something serious, are you?

No, I'm not.

But thanks.

That's why I'm here, bro.

See you tomorrow, Anonymous.

Just be careful, okay?

Because you're not planning for something serious, are you?

Hey, Anonymous.

Bye, Pushkin.

Planning on being like this all day?

Or maybe you wanna talk?

I know it's Vale.

Vale doesn't exist.

I mean, not the Vale I thought.

Well, you've certainly grown up.

Let me see.

Isn't she smart?

Yeah, she's smart.

She doesn't make you laugh anymore?

A little.

So?

Well…

No, she hurt me.

She wrote me messages, like, as someone else.

I think it was a prank maybe.

But have you talked to her yet?

No, Mom.

Well, if what she did hurt you that much, then she must be important.

Yeah, but, Mom, she just doesn't exist.

Vale.

He's not gonna text you.

Wanna see?

It's like the same as before.

But it went way better this time.

-What? What happened? -Nothing.

How long have I known you, Ontiveros?

Ten years, 11?

I've known you ever since you used to play with those dinosaurs

-and pretend to film them, remember? -Yeah.

High school's already over for you.

I know you've heard it before, but life is different after high school.

You be sure to follow that dream we both know that you have.

No, Rafaela. My parents already said no.

Oh, your parents, your parents.

Your parents are not the ones who choose your future, believe me.

You have to have guts.

You're not some kid now.

The students at this school, they're all about the same here.

Not you.

Mom, Dad.

I have to ask you something.

Let me record one more video to prove how I feel.

Another video?

It's… it's for Ontiveros Elevators.

Well, all right, that's fine.

Oh, too close.

That's good.

Here. Sit down, Mom.

Okay.

I'll adjust this.

Like this?

Looking right at the camera.

Okay.

-Should I stand? -No, it's looking good.

I see you.

Let me fix that.

I'm gonna ask you a series of questions,

and each one of you will take turns answering. Okay?

What kind of questions?

Stories, Dad. Just like the ones you always tell.

Maximiliano, can you please tell us how it all started?

Well, you know, your grandmother, she was in her wheelchair

and she lived up eight flights of stairs. Eight.

Alex.

Vale.

How have you been doing?

I'm okay.

What you been up to?

Nothing. Really.

Cool. Yeah. Okay.

Hey. What about prom? Are you going?

-No. -No, Alex.

Wait. Wait. I have something that I wanna show you.

I made one last video for my parents' company.

So then this movie will be my last.

Cool. Congrats.

And, well,

I really wanted you to watch it first.

What, you need my opinion?

-No, Alex, I don't, but you… -Exactly.

We don't need each other anymore.

Hey, are you okay?

Is something wrong, or…

No. I'm good.

I can check it over if you want.

How can I forget that I had happiness in front of my eyes?

I couldn't see it.

Don't throw it away again.

Don't let it get away.

Lupe,

I loved you from the first moment.

And I love you.

Why do they make it up, Pushkin?

Why do they tell us love like that exists?

It's like they want to mess us up.

No, Vale.

It's just that movies don't really present a slice of life.

They're more like pieces of cake.

And I'm sorry if I'm the one to tell you,

but if this is what you want to do as a career…

you better know it's lies.

Alex won't talk to me.

But he always said we had the best time together.

And then Anonymous didn't show up.

It was good, Pushkin.

Sure, but you know tragedy plus time,

well, that's apparently comedy.

And look, I know that it seems big right now,

that you're not having any fun,

but I can promise that, one day, you'll be laughing about this moment.

We'll be laughing together, me and you.

I could start laughing now, if you wanted.

No?

Know what's waiting, Vale?

-What? -Our prom is waiting!

Let's get going!

You look gorgeous. Can we go now, please?

Nothing's working.

You look beautiful.

Shall we go?

I thought it would be a better ending.

I know.

But nothing can be perfect, ya know?

But you always get what you want.

My friend, I'd give anything to have come up with a visual essay.

But ending up in different places won't keep us apart.

No way.

I'll give you a minute?

Hello, Anonymous.

Hi.

This is my voice.

I broke our rule.

No internet again.

No?

No.

Ding-ding.

I'm a toaster!

-Oh! -Right, this one's for you guys.

Especially for you.

Yeah, it's, uh…

-Another, huh, Ritchie? -It's the elevator surprise.

It's stuck.

-No. -No?

The elevator's good…

I'll get it!

…and yet the stairs are also very practical.

Vale doesn't wanna see you.

Where you going? Don't!

Alex, what are you doing here?

Hi, Alex.

You're not going to the prom?

No, I'm sorry to interrupt.

I just wanted to give you this.

Bye, Alex.

Alex.

Lina, just let him go.

Alex! Alex, wait!

Lina, stop.

It's okay. I'm fine. Just go.

-Hey. That was Alex. -What?

He showed up.

-Here? -He's gone.

But he left something.

Mom, you okay?

What happened?

Alex came and gave us this.

What is it?

Nothing. It's my video. It's…

We should watch it.

No. We don't have to.

Yes. Yes, we have to.

Sure. Of course we have to!

Okay, fine.

It's impossible to tell the story

of this company without telling my family's story too.

Your grandma was in her wheelchair.

We had to lift her up to the eighth floor.

This is a technique that we've developed at Ontiveros Elevators.

It's a very subtle movement.

You don't feel that in other elevators.

They pretty much jump around

-and suddenly… -The bump.

Just like Elisha G. Otis, the creator of the first elevator,

I had a dream.

I had a dream.

I had a dream.

And I had a dream too.

-Mom, do you wanna watch a movie? -What?

You shouldn't watch movies all day.

Do it again. Wash in slow motion.

-That light looks so good on you. -Does it?

The dream of telling stories.

My own stories. But they told me it was just a hobby.

CINEMA

POLAROID A SHORT FILM BY VALERIA ONTIVEROS

When someone tells you your dream is a hobby, it feels awful.

COLOR AND TEXTURE

MORE LOVE

Now I'll show you my classroom.

I want you to know where I spend so much of my day.

This is a collage

I made in fourth grade.

ME & MYSELF A SHORT BY VALERIA ONTIVEROS, EST 2019

A SHORT BY VALERIA ONTIVEROS

A SHORT BY VAL

My parents taught me to follow my dream.

I chased that dream.

They taught me to see the world my own way.

If you follow your dream, everything else will fall into place.

But sometimes, other dreams get in the way.

ONTIVEROS ELEVATORS

Well…

That's how I feel about it.

We didn't get it because we never gave you a chance to explain.

No, I really do get it. Grandma, her stories.

They're important too. I understand.

Vale.

That story isn't true.

We started telling it so we could feel that our work mattered.

We built this company for you.

But the most important thing is your happiness.

So you're saying I can…

study whatever I want?

Yes.

-Yes! -Something like that, no?

Yes!

Oh, yay, group hug.

Don't cry, Max. There there.

Hi, Mom.

Internet's out again.

That's normal.

And you?

Isn't it prom night tonight?

I'm not going, Mom.

Now, just a sec.

Oh.

I thought you didn't have internet.

No, I didn't.

What?

-Alex, what are you doing? -Wait, Mom.

What?

Mom, we have to get rid of the TV.

No! Why?

The TV's the thing interfering with the internet.

Because of that TV, the whole building loses Wi-Fi.

Oh, but that TV was your father's.

I know, Mom…

but we have to let go.

WE MADE IT, CLASS!

You got what you wished for, Vale.

Well, not everything.

Wanna dance?

Yeah, you go ahead.

Yeah?

So do you wanna mix it up?

Hi.

This is my voice.

I broke our rule.

I don't know why you didn't come that day, and I'm sure you have good reasons…

but talking with you is so amazing…

and I loved that I could always be me.

There are so many things ending today.

My dream of film studies.

You've gone away too

and I'm so in love with the boy who doesn't love me back.

His name is Alex.

Well, thank you, friend.

Thank you for listening and for being there.

So you having a good time or what?

I am, yeah.

And, uh…

How are things with Alex?

I… I don't really… Let's not talk about it.

I can't believe school's over.

One of my best friends told me once that truth and time are super relative.

I'm glad that we all get to be here together tonight.

Recent graduates, congratulations, you did it!

-This is for me… -Be back soon!

…bittersweet moment of the year

because we're never going to see you again.

And there's the sweet feeling that we're never going to see you again…

On behalf of all the teachers working here--

High school is over!

On my way.

Uh…

-No, no, no. -What's up, Vale?

It's Anonymous. He's coming by soon.

What? How does he know where we are?

Who's "Anonymous"?

I told you Anonymous was scary.

Oh, wow! This is totally fate!

Vale, what if he's a psycho?

He's not.

I don't think he is, but what am I supposed to do now?

It'll be okay. I'll figure it out.

No. Wait a sec. Vale.

I know you wanted to meet this guy a lot, but please don't just run off.

Just let Ritchie sort it out.

Vale!

Vale!

Vale!

-You two with me. -Nice.

Vale!

This bastard again. You kidding me?

Bro, what are you doing here?

Vale wants you to stay far away from her, man.

No way.

You're not going anywhere.

I've had it up to here with you, you bastard.

What, you wanna go? You think you're better than me?

-I'm a better fighter than you. -Let's calm down.

Ever since you came around, I've been nothing but nice to you.

And I didn't even have to, huh?

You fuckin' didn't even thank me.

It's cool. You're a better person than me, better than anyone.

-Enough. Stop it! -I'm a fuckin' panther, okay?

-Alex? -Chill, Vale.

You wanna go?

Stop! You're being ridiculous.

-Ritchie, chill out! -Ritchie!

I know you're Regina's brother, but you keep messing with him,

you mess with me too.

-Back off, Lina. I don't wanna hurt you. -Ritchie, stop.

-You're finished, dude. -Hey!

-No, Ritchie! -What's going on?

What is all this? Break it up! Break it up!

Vale! Vale!

How do you know if you like someone?

Now I've got you to talk to you.

I'm funny. He make you laugh?

Anyone'd be lucky to be with someone like you.

I think it happened.

I like talking to you.

So do I. Have you ever fallen in love?

-I wish you'd been there. -If you would've invited me.

To meet someone cool… You're such a nerd.

-We should introduce them. -It'd be the best revenge.

If you like her…

I can be myself with you… I was only thinking of you two…

Go on.

I don't know if I know her the way I know you.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

Anonymous. Nice to meet you.

You don't know how much I hoped it would be you.

I told you. It was the message that changed everything.

I realized that there are people you meet by chance.

And there are others who are there for a reason.

And even if you never see them again, they defined your path.

But the most important ones are the ones who made you laugh,

who helped you to dream…

and, of course,

those who made you happy.

From that day on, I could be seen.

But because I realized that I wanted to be seen.

I started to see things differently,

and I realized I could be seen.

These stories,

whether or not they're true,

are what make you who you are.

And one of these days, you can use them to tell your own story.