Corazón is a film depicting the journey of Elena Ramirez, a young Dominican woman living in Santo Domingo. By just looking at Elena, you wouldn’t think that her heart is failing her. After being given only a few months to live unless she gets a new heart, Elena serendipitously meets Montefiore Einstein Cardiologist Dr. Mario Garcia.
Elena’s condition is past the point of conventional medicine until Dr. Garcia gives her a fighting chance to live—a mechanical heart through a surgery that his colleagues can perform at Montefiore Einstein. With nothing left to lose and a family that needs her to live, she decides to leave Santo Domingo and follow Dr. Garcia on a near-impossible journey to New York.
Based on a real-life patient story from Montefiore Einstein, Corazón doesn’t just aim to grab your heart, but keep it. Starring Golden Globe nominee Ana de Armas (Knives Out) and Academy Award nominee Demian Bichir (A Better Life). Directed by Palme d’Or nominee John Hillcoat and written by Kelley Sane.
Elena’s experience at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care reflects our belief that every patient deserves world-class healthcare. This center of excellence and our Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation are among the most active and successful transplant programs in the nation, with renowned teams of specialists leading the way.
Dr. Mario J. Garcia is Chief of Cardiology, Professor of Medicine and Radiology, Co-Director, Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, happened to meet Elena while volunteering in Santo Domingo and facilitated bringing her to Montefiore Einstein for a mechanical heart. He is a renowned cardiologist and leader in the development and clinical implementation of the most advanced noninvasive cardiac diagnostic technology used around the world today. In Corazón, Dr. Garcia is portrayed by Academy Award nominee Demian Bichir.
Dr. Daniel Goldstein, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Montefiore Einstein, was the surgeon who performed the surgery when Elena was brought to Montefiore Einstein. He has been named one of New York’s Top Doctors for his achievements in thoracic surgery. Dr. Goldstein plays himself and performs a real mechanical heart surgery in the film.
Montefiore Einstein brings state-of-the-art healthcare to patients referred to us from around the world who are facing the most complex medical conditions. Each one has a story with the power to inspire. Every story drives us to do more.