Mija

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Mija
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Mija is a documentary about two young, first-generation-American Latinas who both want to break out in the music industry -- one as a talent manager, one as a singer. Directed by Isabel Castro, the documentary follows Southern California-based Doris Muñoz, who discovers alternative singer Jacks Haupt, a fellow Mexican American, while scouting for talent on social media. Expect occasional strong language ("s--t," "damn," "pinche"), as well as scenes of young adults drinking (in one case, right before and after a 21st birthday) and smoking cigarettes. There are some suggestive references to virginity and kissing/hugging between a couple. The film touches on heavy topics including deportation, the challenges of living as an undocumented resident, poverty, and family separation, as well as elitism and discrimination in the music industry. But it also promotes empathy, gratitude, perseverance, and teamwork.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Director Isabel Castro's MIJA follows Doris Muñoz, a Mexican American talent manager who scouts and represents up-and-coming Latino artists in the music industry -- including Jacks Haupt, a young Chicana singer whom Doris discovers on Instagram. The film's story centers on how Muñoz hopes to usher Haupt to fame, as she has already done for well-known artist Cuco. Doris feels responsible not just for managing Jacks, but also for helping her undocumented parents and her older brother, who was deported back to Mexico. Doris' family relies on her generosity and financial support and encourages her management business, while Jacks' family remains skeptical and unsupportive about her dreams to make it as a singer.
Is It Any Good?
This is a watchable, moving documentary about two young Latinas trying to make it in the music industry -- one as a manager and the other as an artist. Director Castro, a Mexican American documentarian, creates a sense of intimacy as she weaves Doris' and Jacks' stories together. At the beginning of Mija, Doris is thriving as Cuco's manager, reveling in his success as a rising pop star. But Doris' story is also about family separation, the difficulties of being undocumented in America (she was born in the States, but her parents don't have their papers), and feeling responsible for one's family. Castro highlights how Doris juggles her high expectations, her dreams for being "somebody" in the entertainment field, and the reality of being separated from her older brother, who was deported back to Mexico. Despite all the setbacks, Doris is ultimately optimistic, particularly once Jacks enters the scene.
Castro contrasts Doris' more established (if still burgeoning) career with Jacks' inexperience. The two young women need each other, and, more importantly, Doris understands what Jacks is going through -- particularly in trying to explain lofty ambitions to worried parents. The music is a memorable mix from Latino musicians, including Cuco and Jacks, as well as tracks from a variety of other acts, like the Marias and a score by Helado Negro. Ultimately, this film is a tribute to how, as the Hamilton lyrics say, "immigrants get the job done," especially in industries where they have to be scrappy, smart, and tenacious to thrive.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Mija addresses the challenges of being an American-born child of undocumented parents. What is the film's stance on immigration?
Why is representation important in music, movies, TV shows, and books? How does it build empathy? What does it mean when someone says they have trouble visualizing success when they've never seen someone like them succeed?
How does the documentary portray artist discovery? Why is social media such a powerful way to look for and find new talent? Do you use social media to search for new music and musicians?
How do the characters demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 5, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: September 23, 2022
- Cast: Doris Muñoz, Jacks Haupt, Omar Banos
- Director: Isabel Castro
- Studio: Disney Original Documentary
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Gratitude, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some strong language, suggestive references and smoking
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love Latino stories
Character Strengths
Find more movies that help kids build character.
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate