Man from Reno

A mystery outside of San Francisco brings together small-town sheriff Paul Del Moral (Pepe Serna), Japanese author Aki Akahori, and a traveler from Reno who soon disappears, leaving behind his suitcase and a trail of questions.

According to Pepe Serna, director Dave Boyle is a Mormon who spent his missionary time in Australia, immersed in Japanese culture. He has read numerous crime novels, both in English and Japanese, and already by his early 30s has had a string of Japanese-inspired films that get critical acclaim.

This a great one, blending small town sheriff and Japanese crime author. They make a great team, and one could imagine this being a series of films. It stands out as being the biggest starring role of Serna's career, as well as being a film where he was not just a "token Chicano". After decades in the film business, appearing in dozens of great films, it is nice to see him finally get a bit of respect and recognition.