Synopsis:

Based on a true story, Cuchera is about Filipino drug mules, drug couriers, and their recruiters. It follows the story of Isabel, a veteran drug mule, in her first attempt at running her own drug transshipment operation between Manila and China.

Isabel’s character is based on the story of an actual Filipina drug mule who was caught with eight capsules of heroin lodged in her sex organ, 48 in the rectum and 11 in her abdomen after an x-ray was conducted by Chinese authorities. Cuchera presents an accurate depiction of how some Filipinos end up becoming entrenched in the world of illegal drugs. Currently, the Philippines leads all Southeast Asian countries in the number of nationals arrested for drug smuggling charges in China.

As of February 2011, there are 79 Filipinos with death penalty cases still languishing in various jails in Chinese territories for smuggling drugs into the country. All in all, there are 691 Filipinos worldwide incarcerated for the same crime. Violators include women and minors who enter China with fake passports.

Awards & Festivals:

Cleveland International Film Festival 2012

Festival International de Films de Fribourg 2012

Stockholm International Film Festival 2012

Toronto International Film Festival 2012

Belgrade International Film Festival 2012

Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2011