Bernardino is a short documentary featuring the life of a hardworking 56-year-old Mexican dwarf, living with his extended family in the southwardly shadow of downtown Los Angeles. Bernardino’s brother brought him from rural Mexico to the United States for a “better life.”
Bernardino was born severely deformed with a large protruding hump rounding his back arching over his tiny frame as both of his feet bow outward causing him to shuffle forward. Bernardino suffers from major health issues, yet faithfully works 8 to 10 hours a day, six days a week. Bernardino has never asked for or received public assistance from either the United States Federal or California State governments. Bernardino supports himself.
The heart of Bernardino’s story is courage, family, community, interdependence, and above all, self- acceptance.
