I'm No Longer Here

In 2011, 17-year-old Ulises becomes the leader of 'Los Terkos,' a gang that thrives on the vibrant Kolombia counter-culture in Monterrey. The gang's lifestyle is characterized by colorful dance parties and a distinctive style featuring bright, baggy clothing and extravagant hairstyles.

During a routine collection of money from students, Ulises and his gang encounter members of a rival gang called 'Los F.' Tensions rise when a member of Los F is arrested by the police, leading to a dangerous encounter where Ulises's gang decides to prank them using a stolen radio.

A sudden drive-by shooting involving 'Los Pelones' exposes Ulises to the harsh realities of gang life. Following the incident, a survivor misinterprets Ulises's involvement and demands he leaves town to protect his family from potential retribution.

Fearing for his safety, Ulises's mother arranges for him to be illegally smuggled into the United States. In an emotional farewell, he receives an MP3 player from his comrade Chaparra, symbolizing his life back in Monterrey.

Upon arriving in Queens, Ulises faces challenges integrating into life as a day laborer due to language barriers and cultural differences. After an altercation at a party, he finds a job at Mr. Loh's store, where he begins to rebuild his life.

Ulises meets Lin, Mr. Loh's grandniece, who becomes a supportive friend despite his troubled past. She provides him with a dictionary to learn English and a place to stay in her family's roof shed, helping him navigate his new life.

In his pursuit of quick cash, Ulises attempts to dance in public, but finds himself in trouble with the police. The risk of being caught hinders his efforts, pushing him further into desperation.

Ulises attends a party with Lin but is overwhelmed by nostalgia and leaves alone. A phone call home reveals his mother's worries about potential threats from Los F, forcing him to confront his past life and consider his future.

Seeking comfort, Ulises converses with a Colombian sex worker at a local bar. However, feeling emotionally drained and lost, he learns that they cannot see each other again, intensifying his sense of isolation.

Ulises’s situation deteriorates as he becomes homeless and is caught by the police. This leads to his imprisonment and eventual deportation back to Mexico, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices.

Back in Monterrey, Ulises finds that Los F has taken over and many former Terkos have joined their ranks. The city has changed, and he no longer fits in with the gang life he once led.

Ulises attends the funeral of a former gang member, reflecting on the consequences of gang violence and his choices. This experience leads him to reconnect with Jeremy, a friend who has turned his life around and now preaches faith.

Although offered a place to stay by Jeremy, Ulises opts for solitude and continues to roam the streets. This decision signifies his struggle with identity and the longing for a life he can no longer have.

In a moment of reflection, Ulises dances to the music from his MP3 player, finding a fleeting sense of peace. The dance serves as a reminder of his past happiness, but it also leads to the bittersweet realization of loss when the battery dies.

As Ulises witnesses the local residents divert attention from the police, he understands the lengths people will go to survive. This moment encapsulates the dire circumstances surrounding him, marking the end of his journey.