La Estrella
A bilingual, narrative short film rooted in the lived realities of Latino families affected by counterfeit prescription pills, La Estrella invites audiences into a conversation about grief, love and community healing.
Set in a Latino community, La Estrella tells the story of two brothers whose bond is tested by a devastating encounter with a counterfeit prescription pill. Inspired by true stories, this bilingual, narrative short captures the vulnerability and strength of families navigating loss. It's an invitation to speak openly about dangers too often kept in the shadows.
Written by: Gerardo Coello Escalante & Amandine Thomas
Directed by: Gabriela Diaz Arp
Produced by: Anna Jimenez Lyle
Executive Producer: Song for Charlie
Subtitles: Spanish, English
Recognized by film festivals across the country and internationally, La Estrella is earning acclaim for its storytelling, cultural relevance and impact.
ETHOS Film Awards — Impact Award for Recovery Advocacy, 2026
Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival, 2026
Phoenix Film Festival, 2026
MENTAL – Festival da Saúde Mental, 2026
Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), 2026
Mexican-American Film and Television Festival & Awards, 2026
Arizona International Film Festival, 2026
Des Moines Latino Film Festival, 2026
NOMOREHURT International Film Festival, 2026
XicanIndie FilmFest, 2026
The centerpiece of our La Estrella Educator Package is the Curriculum Guide, developed with educators, for educators. This guide transforms the film into a complete educational experience with:
A detailed 50-minute lesson plan framework and Student-Facing Deck
Thought-provoking discussion questions
Student note-taking handouts with educator answer keys
Interactive activity guides
Key vocabulary and essential takeaway