PRODUCCIONES LBL

 

LOGLINE

After the death of their father, siblings travel to Mexico in search of their secret half-brother, uncovering family truths and reconnecting with the culture they left behind.​

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SYNOPSIS
Finding Jose is a comedy drama set between the U.S. and the heart of Mexico, following three Mexican American siblings who venture to return father's ashes to a country they have been to in decades. The story begins at a cousin's baby shower as the siblings settle with the absence of their father a chisme is overheard revealing another secret son. Hitting the road to find the truth they connect With their outcast yet sentimental Tio lets and their rebellious and ambitious cousin Thalia. Through dusty highways, cantinas, and small-town festivals every wrong turn reveals more about who their father really Was, and Who they are Without him. Through heartbreak and absurdity, the film captures the ache of returning home to a place that no longer feels like yours.
Finding Jose explores the messy beauty of family, the guilt, the love, the secrets we bury, and the roots We can never escape. A love letter to Mexico, to the children of immigrants, and to every family still learning how to say goodbye.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT
At its core, Finding Jose is about family, the messy, loving, imperfect kind that shapes who we become. The story is built from fragments of my own life and the lives of those closest to me: memories of road trips, laughter, silence, and the unspoken ways we love each other. I wanted to make a film that feels honest, one that shows how identity is not something we choose, but something we carry with us. Life. can be full of contradiction and beauty, and holds the stories that made my family who we are.

The film takes place in Mexico, a place that continues to shape my understanding of home, it’s where my family’s stories began, and where I’ve always felt most connected and lived some of my favorite childhood memories. Through this film, I want to capture the warmth, humor, and chaos of family life, while exploring how returning home can remind us of the parts of ourselves we’ve forgotten.

TIMELINE 
Finding Jose is currently in development, with the script being finalized by December 2025 alongside location scouting and applications for grants, fellowships, and investors. Casting will begin in May 2026, alongside finalizing the crew, securing filming locations, and arranging production gear. Principal photography is planned for late November through mid-December 2026, followed by post-production beginning in early 2027, with an initial cut expected by May 2027. Filming in December is deeply intentional, many of my childhood memories come from visiting my family’s hometown of Tecalitlán, known for its mariachi festivals and vibrant community celebrations during that time of year. Those visits, filled with music, color, and family, are among the most beautiful and formative experiences of my life, and they inspire the heart of this film.

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FILMING ON LOCATION

Filmed on location across Jalisco, Mexico, Finding José is rooted in real places, culture, and community. From vibrant towns to intimate family spaces, the setting becomes an essential part of the story — offering authenticity, visual richness, and a true sense of place that resonates on screen.