CORAZÓN review by Linda Ruiz

I have a family, I love them, and I will not die, Elena Ramirez ( Ana de Armas) matter-of-factly tells Dr. Mario Garcia ( Demian Bichir), Montefiore’s Chief of Cardiology, in the emergency room of the Dominican Republic hospital where he is volunteering, after he tells Elena that her heart condition is now fatal.

Anna de Armas gives a truly stellar performance in the short that was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. She portrays a sex worker that doesn’t have access to adequate health care. Her once manageable heart condition has deteriorated to the point that she needs a transplant. Her determination to live, to take care of her family propels her to come to New York City to have a mechanical heart implant.

Coinciding with Organ Donor Awareness week, this true story sheds light on the shortage of organ donors. Montefiore Medical Center located in the Bronx, where Elena had her mechanical heart implant, produced and is using this film to sign up organ donors worldwide.