[Maya & Spanish with English subtitles]

Maria, a 17-year-old Mayan girl, lives and works with her parents on a coffee plantation in the foothills of an active volcano in Guatemala. An arranged marriage awaits her: her parents have promised her to Ignacio, the plantation overseer. But Maria doesn’t sit back and accept her destiny. Pepe, a young coffee cutter who plans to migrate to the USA becomes her possible way out. Maria seduces Pepe in order to run away with him, but after promises and clandestine meetings, Pepe takes off, leaving her pregnant, alone and in disgrace. There’s no time to lose for Maria’s mother, who thinks abortion is the only solution.

The Hispanic Graduate Student Association (HiGSA) is proud to present Cinehassee, a Hispanic Film Festival that celebrates diversity so valuable in any democratic society. Cinehassee contributes to foster this value by exposing topics, problems, ideas and realities that are different from what many citizens live today in the day to day basis; in this opportunity to celebrate the Hispanic Heritage month. Select films are going to be followed by Q & A sessions featuring a panel of experts. All events are free to the general public, and the first 25 first attendees get free popcorn!