the film's original release was delayed because of the passage of hurricane hugo in september 1989. it was ultimately released in november of the same year. after receiving critical acclaim, the film was also exhibited in various international festivals, including the festival de cine iberoamericano de huelva in spain, the latin american film festival in washington, and the festival du cinéma espagnol de nantes in france. according to morales, he wasn't "thinking in success, but in a story that grabbed my attention. i always try to do everything in function of the story. the star is the film".