“A quinceañera’s not just a party. It’s how I’m embracing being Hispanic while still being an American,” says one of the characters in “15: A Quinceañera Story” in a new trailer for the project. Co-directed by Latin Grammy winner Thalía Sodi, the series of four short films chronicles the journeys of five young American Latinas as they prepare for the “quinceañera” celebration of their fifteenth birthdays.
According to HBO’s official synopsis, viewers will be introduced to “Zoey, a transgender girl whose quinceañera aims to celebrate the trans-madrinas (godmothers) who were never able to have one themselves; Rosi, a Cuban-Guatemalan American who combines all three of her cultures for a quinceañera celebration in Havana; Ashley, an amateur boxer from LA who must navigate the pressures her family feels due to their immigration status as she plans her quinceañera and prepares for her first big boxing match; Jackie and Nina, two best friends who celebrate their Mexican heritage — and joint-quinceañera — through the traditional Mexican horse dancing display of escaramuza.”
The spot features all five of the girls discussing what their quinceañera means to them. We also hear about some of their role models and goals. Rosi looks up to her mom, who overcame great struggles to make a life in the United States. Ashley reveals that her quinceañera and her first official fight are “all [she’s] ever wanted.”
“As a Latina, I’m proud to share our culture and shine a spotlight on these dynamic, talented, and beautiful young women featured in these four films,” Sodi said in a statement.
“15: A Quinceañera Story” will air on HBO and HBO Latino December 19–22.