Peter Sollett`s astonishing feature debut establishes the director as one of American cinema`s most refreshing new voices. Miraculously capturing the grittiness of life on Manhattan`s Lower East Side while maintaining an air of hopeful innocence, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS plays like a combination of KIDS and THE GOONIES. When Victor Vargas (Victor Rasuk) is busted hooking up with Fat Donna (Donna Maldonado), he sets his sights on a more respectable target. That target is Juicy Judy Ramirez (Judy Marte), a gorgeous teenager who has been looking for someone to keep the neighborhood leeches away. After being formally introduced to Judy by her younger brother Carlos (Wilfree Vasquez)--who just so happens to have a crush on Victor`s younger sister Vicki (Krystal Rodriguez)--Victor gets his wish. But to Judy, this is merely a business proposition. As Victor gradually realizes that his feelings for Judy are becoming much deeper, he must contend with his stubborn grandmother (Altagracia Guzman), who wants to punish him for being a negative influence on his little brother Nino (Silvestre Rasuk). Gorgeously photographed by Tim Orr and brilliantly acted by its non-professional cast, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS is a universal tale that crosses all racial, social, and economical lines.Part of SXSW 2003 in Austin, Texas, and the New Directors/New Films 2003 series presented by The Department of Film and Media at the Museum of Modern Art and the Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York City.