East Side Sushi

Director: Anthony Lucero Rated: PG Runtime: 100 minutes

Q&A with filmmaker Lucero following the movie.
Bay Area filmmaker Lucero’s first feature length movie, filmed entirely in Oakland is a fusion of cultures and flavors that tells the story of a Latina working-class single mother who strives to become a sushi chef.
Juana is forced to give up her fruit-vending cart in order to find a more secure job. She lands a position as a kitchen assistant at a local Japanese restaurant and while working in the restaurant’s kitchen, Juana secretly observes the sushi chefs and eventually teaches herself to make a multitude of sushi. Eventually, she attempts to become a sushi chef, but is unable to because she is the “wrong” race and gender. Against all odds, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determined to not let anyone stop her from achieving her dream.