Set in Echo Park, MI VIDA LOCA film consists of several anecdotes about Latina teenagers who are “homegirls,” or girlfriends to gang members. The first story is about “Sad Girl” and “Mousie” whose friendship is tested when they both become pregnant by “Ernesto.”

The brief second story is about Ernesto training the quasi-comic character “Whisper” to become a drug dealer. The third story is about “Giggles,” a symbol of female empowerment, who leaves prison after serving time for her now-deceased boyfriend and is now determined to leave the gang life behind for something better.

The last story is a tender love story about Sad Girl’s sister “La Blue Eyes” who falls for a man in prison.

Director Allison Anders’ film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993 and was released to acclaim in 1994, with critics applauding its realism. Anders worked with non-actors and Echo Park community members to create this realistic, difficult story about sisterhood and sacrifice, and it has since become a cult classic.

MI VIDA LOCA was nominated to the National Film Registry in 2023.

Note: This film has an R rating and includes scenes of graphic violence.

Key Information

LOCATION: The Palace Theatre is located at 630 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014 (Downtown L.A.)

FREE Q&A SESSION: Following the screening, there will be a free Q&A session about the Palace Theatre. Stay in your seat to learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY: The Palace Theatre has limited wheelchair accessibility. Restrooms are located either up or down a flight of stairs. A small historic elevator that requires assistance is available for those needing to access restrooms while avoiding stairs. No assisted listening devices are available.