Heidi Ewing‘s debut as a narrative filmmaker, I CARRY YOU WITH ME, follows a tender romance spanning decades. Starting in provincial Mexico and continuing as first Iván, then Gerardo, journey towards sharing a life together in New York City.
The film traces both men’s lives from their childhoods in Mexico, through the decisions that lead them into adulthood. Iván, an aspiring chef and young father, hopes to secure a spot in a restaurant’s kitchen while supporting his child. But the discovery of his relationship with Gerardo causes conflict, and in despair, he makes the arduous choice to cross the border into the United States, promising his son and his soulmate Gerardo that he will return.
Though based on a true story, Ewing’s vision is boldly original – an impressionistic, open-hearted take on the American Dream, told by a filmmaker drawing on her years of practice in capturing the human experience. The film is a love story, as well as a soulful rumination on family, sacrifice, regret, hope and freedom.