[Many thanks to Linda Rodríguez Guglielmoni for bringing this item to our attention.] W Journal reports that Puerto Rican film Esta Isla [This Island] won the John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $1,000,000. The article explains that the film— directed by Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina— “integrates landscapes and tensions as part of the narrative.” Esta Isla will premiere in Puerto Rican theaters on March 19, 2026.
After a run at international film festivals, the Puerto Rican film Esta Isla won the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Award — John Cassavetes Award. This award recognizes the best film produced with a budget of less than $1,000,000.
With this achievement, Esta Isla is preparing for its theatrical release in Puerto Rico on March 19, 2026.
The film features a cast led by Zion Ortiz, Fabiola Brown, Teófilo Torres, Audicio Robles, Xavier Morales, and Georgina Borri, and tells a story set on the west coast of Puerto Rico: a tale of youth, love, escape, and survival.
Directed by Lorraine Jones Molina and Cristian Carretero, the film was recognized as Best New Director at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In addition to the Spirit Award, Esta Isla won Best Cinematography and a Jury Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, and Best Film and Best Cinematography at the Puerto Rico Film Festival.
Filmed in Puerto Rico, in locations such as Mayagüez, Añasco, Las Marías, Cabo Rojo, Sabana Grande, Guayanilla, and Cupey, the film integrates landscapes and tensions as part of the narrative. [. . .]
For original article, see https://www.wjournalpr.com/lifestyle/entertainment/puerto-rican-film-esta-isla-recognized-at-independent-film-awards/article_d589c6ac-fbf9-5034-a225-1a4b02a00a5d.html
Also see our previous posts https://repeatingislands.com/2025/09/11/esta-isla-opens-the-puerto-rico-film-festival/, https://repeatingislands.com/2025/06/12/film-esta-isla-tribeca-film-festival/, and https://repeatingislands.com/2025/06/12/tribecas-esta-isla-is-the-mythic-coming-of-age-puerto-rican-film-i-needed/
For more information, see https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/15/style/independent-spirit-awards-winners-list.html and https://www.primerahora.com/entretenimiento/cine-tv/notas/pelicula-puertorriquena-esta-isla-gana-en-los-spirit-awards-2026/
[Many thanks to Linda Rodríguez Guglielmoni for bringing this item to our attention.] W Journal reports that Puerto Rican film Esta Isla [This Island] won the John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $1,000,000. The article explains that the film— directed by Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina— “integrates landscapes and
