As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of immersion in the silver screen world, I find myself utterly captivated by the diverse and enticing lineup for this year’s Monterrey Film Festival. From the quirky, Quixote-like duo of “The Blue Star” to the introspective exploration of parent-child bonds in “Good One,” there’s a palpable energy that promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Between September 25th and October 2nd, the 20th annual Monterrey Film Festival in Mexico will showcase approximately 100 films, carefully selected from prestigious international festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW. This event will host Mexican, Latin American, and global premieres for both fiction and documentary features, many of which are directed by newcomers to the film industry. Here’s a list of 10 exceptional films that caught our attention:
“The Blue Star,” Javier Macipe, Spain, Argentina (Mexican premiere)
This 90s-set film is a collaborative production among Fernando Bovaira’s Mod Producciones (Spain – “Biutiful”), El Pez Amarillo from Macipe, Cimarrón (“Society of the Snow”) and Prisma, Argentina. The story revolves around Mauricio, a renowned Spanish rock musician seeking to rediscover his roots by traversing Latin America. Along his journey, he encounters Don Carlos, an elderly musician who, despite creating some of his country’s most iconic folk songs, is grappling with hardship. Much like the character Master Miyagi from Karate Kid, Don Carlos takes Mauricio under his wing, forming a peculiar duo reminiscent of Don Quixote. Their partnership, however, is destined for commercial downfall. Film Factory Entertainment handles the international distribution of this unique film.
“Carnalismo,” José Luis Cano, Mexico (world premiere)
A documentary showcases the tight-knit Low Biker community in Durango, who bond over their shared passion for cumbia music and bicycles while confronting prejudices they face daily. Since 2019, Cano has been a festival programmer for Vancouver’s Latin American Film Festival, and has built a career as a music video director and independent documentary producer.
“Dog on Trial,” Laetitia Dosch, France, Switzerland (Latin American premiere)
At the Cannes Film Festival 2024, the comedy titled “Palm Dog Winner” was screened in Un Certain Regard section. The story revolves around Avril, a young lawyer, who takes extraordinary measures to prevent her client, a recurring offender dog, from being put down. In the process, the dog assists Avril in understanding and accepting the intricacies of her own human nature. This marks the directorial debut for Swiss-French actress Dosch, who has previously appeared in Justine Triet’s “Age of Panic” and Léonor Serraille’s “Jeune Femme,” which won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes 2017. The film’s international distribution is handled by MK2 Films.
“Eat the Night,” Caroline Poggi, Jonathan Vinel, France (Mexican premiere)
In a simpler manner:
“Fragmentos de Olvido,” Rubén Villa, Mexico (world premiere)
Villa’s first full-length movie centers on David, a proficient and passionate therapist in memory manipulation, who endeavors to revive his ailing spouse by transferring her memories into an unwitting individual. However, his strategy leads him into a tragic, unanticipated nightmare. To date, he has directed four fiction short films: “The Bet of the Soul” (2017), “Eternal Muse” (2018), “Lucía’s Paradise” (2019), and “The Recipe for Dreaming” (2019). Additionally, he has directed a documentary short film titled “The Melody of Victory” (2019) and an animated short film named “Akasha” (2020).
“Good One,” India Donaldson, U.S. (Mexican premiere)
In Donaldson’s first movie, titled “17-year-old Sam (played by Lily Collias)” embarks on a three-day hiking expedition in the Catskills with her father and his companion. As the two men argue and rehash past disagreements, Sam finds herself stuck between them, attempting to diffuse the situation. When emotions escalate and trust is shattered, Sam confronts her father’s emotional deficiencies and chooses to abandon her “perfect” image within the family. The film, titled “Drama,” delves into the transformative moment when a parent-child relationship undergoes a lasting change. It made its debut at Sundance in 2024.
”The In Between,” Dir. Robie Flores, U.S. (Latin American premiere)
The film, Flores’ debut documentary, offers a personal and heartfelt portrayal that emphasizes the robustness and cultural diversity of a shared U.S.-Mexico community. As she revisits her childhood home in Eagle Pass, Flores aims to recreate the experiences of growing up on the border between these two nations. The production is supported by Just Films, Chicken & Egg, Field of Vision, Firelight Media, and other organizations. It made its first appearance at SXSW.
“Retaguardia,” Ramón Lluís Bande, Spain (world premiere)
The documentary provides a glimpse into what antifascist propaganda films might have looked like during that era, had they been produced. It does this by assembling a series of unmade short films from 1937’s Republican Asturias, turning them into a complete movie. Inspired by the techniques used in Soviet propaganda cinema from the 1920s and 1930s, this documentary is backed by authentic period materials, photos, essays, and sketches from influential figures of the time.
“Wild Diamond,” Agathe Riedinger, France (Latin American premiere)
Riedinger’s first film focuses on 19-year-old Liane, who resides with her mother and sister in Fréjus, France’s south. Driven by her dreams of beauty and fame, she tries out for a reality TV show titled “Miracle Island.” As both the writer, director, and cinematographer, Riedinger delves into various storytelling methods, combining extravagance and irony—frequently with a purposefully thought-provoking or surreal edge—to question traditional perspectives. Frequently, her work tackles topics close to her, like liberation and the female experience.
“Witches,” Elizabeth Sankey, U.K. (Mexican premiere)
In a sequel to her 2019 documentary titled “Romantic Comedy,” British filmmaker Sankey, who has personally battled post-partum depression, delves into the cinematic representation of witches. She investigates how their portrayal mirrors societal attitudes towards women, motherhood, and mental health. By intertwining her personal story with cultural analysis, she presents this film at Tribeca for its world premiere. It will be available for streaming on Mubi by 2025.
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2024-09-23 16:23