The Film
SYNOPSIS
OUTSIDE THE WALL is a coming-of-age film about conquering your fears to accomplish your dreams. A year in prison has not abated ISA SANTIAGO’s talented obsession with graffiti rather she discovers Frida Kahlo through reading voraciously and channels her energy towards painting and getting her GED. Frida becomes both her confidant and guardian angel.
Now 18, she arrives home with new found conviction towards becoming the Puerto Rican Frida Kahlo. Armed with empowering thoughts, Isa returns to her mother’s roach invested home and vows to keep straight. Until, Isa’s mother becomes ill and rent is due which throws Isa a welcome-home party she is not expecting.
Being an ex-parolee it’s difficult to find work and Isa feels guilty as she resents that once again she must put her mother’s needs above her own. Isa tries to stay on the right path, turning to her homegirl – Torta, for validation and strength. She even pleads with her mother to tell her about the father she has never known. Finally, Isa finds inspiration from her dynamic and attractive boss and Executive Director of Precita Eyes, Chela Negron.
But, she does not make enough money at Precita Eyes to support her financial obligations and her felony conviction renders her unemployable. Desperate for cash to start anew, Isa turns to Chela, who offers to give her money if she moves in with her. Isa and Chela become girlfriends, a union that threatens to destroy her friendship with Torta who carries a secret that she is unable to confess to Isa for fear of losing her parents.
Meanwhile, Isa begins to get a lot of validation and attention for her artistic talents. Esperanza Esparza an art curator wants to exhibit her work at a local but prestigious art gallery. And all goes as planned until Isa’s mom’s health takes a turn for the worst and Chela begins to show a less attractive side— demanding that Isa stay away from Torta or she will not pay her mother’s hospital bills. Isa separates herself from Torta which hurts them both.