All Night Bodega  (2002)

Theatrical Release Information:
All Night Bodega

French director Felix Olivier explores the very few options an at-risk Latino teen must choose between in his 2002 film All Night Bodega. Venus (Tammy Trull) gets arrested for a crime she had nothing to do with. While in a holding cell at city jail, she gains an ally in street tough Juanita (Romi Dias) who watches over Venus and protects her from the other miscreants in their cell. Fortunately for Venus, her foster mother Eta (Blanca Camacho) has been dating undercover cop Ralph (Jaime Tirelli) -- who gets Venus released from jail. When she gets home, however, she and Eta get into a fight that prompts the youngster to move out. In desperation, Venus reunites with the recently freed Juanita and the two become romantically involved -- which also results in Venus gaining membership in Juanita's gang. Venus later begins to have second thoughts when she crosses paths with Ralph's rookie partner (Gabriel Salvador). All Night Bodega premiered at the New York International Latino Film Festival. ~ Ryan Shriver, All Movie Guide