Real Women Have Curves is a 2002 American movie starring America Ferrera. Directed by Patricia Cardoso and produced by George LaVoo from a screenplay by LaVoo and Josefina Lopez (based on Lopez's play), it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award in addition to Special Jury Prizes for both Ferrera and Lupe Ontiveros. The screenplay won the coveted Humanitas Prize and the movie was selected by the National Board of Review for Special Recognition For Excellence In Filmmaking. The independent film earned over five million dollars and brought the previously-unknown Ferrera to the public's attention. The coming-of-age film revolves around Ana Garcia, a Mexican-American teenager living in an East Los Angeles barrio.