Ander & Santi Were Here

U.S. immigration policies complicate a relationship between two queer San Antonio, Tex., teens in this fervent drama by Garza Villa (Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun). When not working at their tita’s taqueria, called Lupe’s, 19-year-old nonbinary Mexican American artist Ander Martínez spends their time painting murals throughout the neighborhood. After they spot new hire Santiago taking a selfie with one of Ander’s creations, they’re immediately drawn to him. Despite Ander’s mother’s protestations against the teens getting involved, Ander and Santi pursue a blissful romantic relationship, one that allows Ander to open up about conflicting feelings surrounding their art and future goals. Following a harrowing run-in with ICE agents, Ander worries about what Santi’s undocumented status could mean for their relationship. As Ander and Santi try to figure out what comes next for them, a devastating incident threatens to separate them for good. Through the teens’ tender courtship and Ander’s identity exploration, as depicted through descriptions of their unapologetically queer and Mexican art, Garza Villa provides a critical examination of government surveillance and its effect on immigrant residents in this blistering tale of enduring love and communal care. Ages 14–up. Agent: Claire Draper, Bent Agency. (May)