Santitos

Esperanza, a widowed mother, faces the unimaginable tragedy of losing her daughter Blanca to a rare virus. This devastating event leaves her heartbroken and questioning her faith as she struggles to cope with the overwhelming grief.

While baking one day, Esperanza experiences a life-changing revelation when St. Jude appears to her unexpectedly. He assures her that her daughter is still alive, igniting a spark of hope in her otherwise despairing heart.

Encouraged by her priest, who interprets her encounter with St. Jude as a sign from God, Esperanza begins her quest to search for Blanca. Despite her roommate's skepticism, she becomes resolute in her mission, eager to uncover the truth.

As Esperanza's search unfolds, she discovers that the doctor who treated Blanca has mysteriously vanished soon after her daughter's death. This revelation deepens her suspicion and determination to investigate further, convinced something is amiss.

Driven by desperation and the desire for closure, Esperanza takes the drastic step of digging up her daughter's grave. This shocking act leads to further encounters with St. Jude, who continues to guide her, albeit in cryptic ways.

Esperanza becomes increasingly convinced that Blanca has been kidnapped and sold into a sex trafficking ring. This fear propels her on a perilous journey, where she faces possibly the darkest realities of human trafficking.

Her quest leads her across Northern Mexico to Tijuana, where she believes her daughter may be confined in a local brothel. This part of the journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, pushing her resilience to its limits.

During her long bus ride to Tijuana, Esperanza faces numerous hardships, including being robbed. Each obstacle adds to her determination, fueling her resolve to continue in search of her daughter.

In Tijuana, Esperanza decides to infiltrate the local brothel by taking on the role of a prostitute. This dangerous decision showcases her bravery but also exposes her to the horrific realities of the world she has entered.

While inside the brothel, Esperanza uncovers dark secrets about its operations. Despite her efforts, she struggles to find any trace of Blanca, leaving her frustrated and desperate for answers.

Refusing to accept defeat, Esperanza travels to Los Angeles to continue her relentless search for her daughter. This new phase of her journey is filled with new challenges and the hope that she may finally find Blanca.

In Los Angeles, Esperanza unexpectedly meets a charismatic masked wrestler. Amidst the chaos of her search, they develop a romantic connection that provides her with a momentary escape from her sorrows.

Guided by a sign from the Virgin Mary, Esperanza finds new strength and clarity regarding her journey. This moment leads her to reflect on her experiences and the love she has encountered along the way.

Ultimately, Esperanza decides to return home after her transformative journey. Though her search for Blanca continues to haunt her, she carries with her the love and experiences she has gained during her quest.

The poignant story resonates at the Cartagena Film Festival in 2000. It garners prestigious awards, including the Golden India Catalina for Best Actress and Best Production Design, underscoring its emotional impact.