The Sunrise Theater's SunFlix Series brings a "touching and startling" family drama to the screen with the presentation of "A Better Life," a story about a Mexican immigrant father's love and the lengths a parent will go to give his child the opportunities he never had.

"A Better Life" stars Demian Bichir, Jose Julian, Dolores Heredia and Joaquin Cosio. This film will be shown Aug. 18-22 on weekdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. It is rated PG-13 and runs for 98 minutes.

The following plot summary is by critic Owen Gleiberman:

"Dramas about illegal immigrants have often focused on the journey north - an odyssey pocked with exploitation and fear, but one that generally ends on a note of road-weary triumph. In 'A Better Life,' however, the focus is on the plight of undocumented immigrants who are already ensconced in the United States. Carlos (Demian Bichir), an unassuming gardener, came up from Mexico years ago and made a home in Los Angeles, but to call anything about his existence 'settled' would be an exaggeration. His wife, frustrated by his modest ambitions, left him long ago, and the son he's raised on his own, Luis (Jose Julian), is a sullen teenager increasingly drawn to the tattooed allure of gang life. Carlos must keep his head down, literally and emotionally, but anyone who looks at him and sees a meek, pleading, recessive man isn't reading between the lines of Demian Bichir's superb slow simmer of a performance. His Carlos is a silent striver who embodies a humanity that is ultimately heartbreaking."

The historic Sunrise Theater, located at 250 NW Broad St., in Southern Pines, is nonprofit. Ticket prices are $7 for all shows. Refreshments, including beer and wine, are available.

For more information, call (910) 692-3611 or visit www.sunrisetheater.com.