Monument Releasing is excited to announce the North American theatrical release of The Fishbowl (La pecera), an acclaimed Puerto Rican ecofeminist drama, marking the feature debut of interdisciplinary artist Glorimar Marrero Sánchez. The film, which made history as the first Puerto Rican-produced feature to premiere at Sundance, will hit U.S. theaters in March 2025, coinciding with Puerto Rican Emancipation Day on March 22. A streaming release will follow on June 4, 2025.
Set in Vieques, a U.S. military testing ground contaminated by toxic munitions like napalm, depleted uranium, and Agent Orange, The Fishbowl follows Noelia (Isel Rodríguez), a 40-year-old artist battling terminal cancer. With limited time left, Noelia strives to resist the environmental and social consequences of U.S. colonialism, turning her journey into a powerful act of resilience for both herself and her community.
After learning that her cancer has returned and metastasized, Noelia retreats to Vieques, where she reconnects with her mother and community. In the absence of local medical care, she keeps her illness a secret and dedicates herself to protesting the environmental destruction caused by military activities. As a hurricane approaches and her health worsens, Noelia faces a life-altering decision: seek treatment or stay with her people and fight for her cause.
Featuring a predominantly female cast and crew, The Fishbowl offers a captivating character study and a poignant exploration of environmental racism, colonialism, and resilience. Marrero Sánchez’s film establishes her as an important voice in Puerto Rican cinema, delivering a narrative that resonates beyond its specific setting.
The film has garnered critical praise:
“Striking. A thought-provoking meditation on the impact of the political on the personal and on how women’s bodies become the battleground for men’s struggles.” —Jonathan Holland, Screen International
“Exposes the continuing wounds of colonization while showing Puerto Rican autonomy, grief, and grace.” —Cristina Escobar, Latino Rebels
“Its images seem to shiver with an unsettling sense of urgency.” —Elena Lazic, Cineuropa
“[Glorimar Marrero] Sánchez crafts a story that is quietly powerful, approaching a catharsis that lyrically unearths how mourning is not without hope.” —Alyssa Miller, No Film School
Confirmed Theatrical Dates (Additional Theaters TBA):
Bethlehem, PA: ArtsQuest – Wednesday, March 19
New York, NY: Museum of the Moving Image – Friday, March 21
Laredo, TX: Alamo Drafthouse – Opens Friday, March 21
Corpus Christi, TX: Alamo Drafthouse – Opens Friday, March 21
Winchester, VA: Alamo Drafthouse – Opens Friday, March 21
New York, NY: Maysles Documentary Center – Tuesday, March 25
Claremont, CA: Laemmle Claremont 5 – Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30
Glendale, CA: Laemmle Glendale – Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30
Santa Monica, CA: Laemmle Monica Film Center – Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30
Santa Clarita, CA: Laemmle Newhall – Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30
Encino, CA: Laemmle Town Center 5 – Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30
Sedona, AZ: Mary D. Fisher Theatre – Opens Friday, April 11
