Dominicana

Ana Cancion, who is fifteen years old, never had the same aspirations of immigrating to the United States as the girls she grew up with in the Dominican countryside. She must accept Juan Ruiz's proposal, nevertheless, since he says he will take her to New York City. The fact that he is twice her age and that their love is platonic is irrelevant. After they get married, her close-knit family will have the chance to immigrate. Hence, on New Year's Day, 1965, Ana leaves everything behind and transforms into Ana Ruiz, a Washington Heights wife confined to a chilly six-story walk-up. Ana, who is depressed and alone, devises a crazy scheme to get away. However, Cesar, Juan's adventurous younger brother, stops her at the bus terminal and persuades her to stay.

Juan returns to safeguard his family's possessions as the Dominican Republic descends into political unrest, leaving Cesar in charge of Ana. All of a sudden, Ana is free to go dancing with Cesar, see a movie at Radio City Music Hall, take English classes at a nearby church, and dream of living a different kind of life in America. She may also lounge on the beach at Coney Island. Ana has to choose once more between following her love and her family's needs when Juan comes back.