Mamitas movie with Pedro Armendariz Jr and newcomer EJ Bonilla
USC Student Nicholas Ozeki not only landed actress Jennifer Esposito and the late Pedro Armendáriz Jr. for his student film, but now he's seeing his thesis film MAMITAS get a theatrical release in Los Angeles.  MAMITAS has garnered dozens of awards at film festivals and is now headed to distribution in movie theaters on April 27.  Take a look at the movie trailer.

First-time filmmaker Nicholas Ozeki tells the story of Jordin, a cocky but charming Latino firebrand; at home he is a doting grandson who can’t seem to please his perpetually cranky father. On the day he’s suspended for insulting a teacher, Jordin meets Felipa, a bookish, no-nonsense New York girl who sees past the swaggering facade. The two immediately embark on an unlikely friendship that inspires Jordin to find out who he really is.

Beautifully shot in Echo Park and against Los Angeles' downtown skyline, this beguiling coming-of-age romance introduces two young actors in EJ Bonilla and Veronica Diaz-Carranza.

Many USC students have gone on to make a career in Hollywood like John Singleton (Boyz in the Hood), Bryan Singer (Usual Suspects), George Lucas, Judd Apatow and countless others. Nicholas Ozeki is one to watch for.  

MAMITAS is in movie theaters April 27, 2012.