Mexico’s Mayra Hermosillo Nods to Unconventional Families in Debut Feature ‘Vainilla,’ a Ventana Sur Favorite Backed by ‘Bardo’ Producer Redrum

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for unconventional narratives that resonate deeply, I was immediately captivated by the synopsis of “Vainilla.” Having spent my formative years in a household much like the one portrayed in this film, I found myself drawn to the raw authenticity and emotional depth that permeates every scene.

In a blend of ’80s nostalgia and the weighty presence that powerful intergenerational matriarchs can lend, Mexican filmmaker Mayra Hermosillo unveiled a segment of her complex and buzzworthy coming-of-age film “Vainilla” as part of Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte selection.

The movie is created by Stacy Perskie, Karla Luna Cantú and Andrea Porras Madero at the renowned Redrum studio in Mexico. This production has credits that include Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Bardo” and the Golden Globe-winning “Mozart in the Jungle,” which stars Gael Garcia Bernal. Paloma Petra, from Huasteca Casa Cinematográfica based in Nuevo León, is also involved in co-producing this project.

Perskie, Luna Cantú, and Porras Madero shared with EbMaster their appreciation for the script’s remarkable level of detail and the way it brought the world and characters to life vividly. They found the story deeply personal and profoundly moving. Expressing their desire to back projects that provide unique viewpoints from underrepresented voices, they saw this as a fitting chance.

In a fresh directorial endeavor by Hermosillo, the story unfolds around seven determined women striving to prevent the foreclosure of their beloved family home. The tale is primarily guided by Roberta, the youngest family member, who at 8 years old, displays a mix of innocence and boldness. As she matures, she starts understanding the unique circumstances of her household, which deviate from typical norms – with no father figure present, a variety of influences revolve around them, each presenting different interpretations of femininity.

It appears crucial for the screenplay to focus on her perspective, as the innocent and enchanting view of the world she portrays adds significance to every scene in contrast to the rigid and unyielding adults nearby, whose hardened facades remain impervious to defeat or compassion.

Hermosillo explains that he decided to narrate the story from the viewpoint of the youngest family member, as it’s the personal account he can truly convey. As a youngster, he yearned to be included in the group of adults, to join the women who played significant roles in our household upkeep. The daily tasks and routines, along with managing schedules and earning money, seemed incredibly attractive to him – even though as an innocent child, he didn’t fully understand the deeper implications of supporting a family.

In hindsight, having had time to ponder, I believe this choice significantly impacts the narrative’s core message. As we mature, we tend to conform more to societal norms and hide parts of ourselves deemed inappropriate. By recounting the tale from a child’s viewpoint, I can preserve that authenticity and essence I once possessed—a time when I wasn’t afraid to reveal my true self,” she explained.

Various paths exist when it comes to creating a family, yet on-screen representations often focus on just a handful of traditional models, known as the nuclear family, which can lead many people to feel compelled to validate their unique family structures against antiquated standards.

As a movie critic, I found myself captivated by “Vanilla,” a film that skillfully balances charm and enlightenment. The characters gracefully dance around each other within a home that exudes comfort yet carries an undercurrent of confinement. The protagonist, Roberta, offers a glimpse into the succinct sketches of every woman in her sphere, who together form a resilient alliance dedicated to nurturing, influencing, and idolizing her – their strengths and flaws equally on display. The atmosphere within the house pulsates with a tranquil kind of love amidst the turmoil, as each character strives towards redemption.

Hermosillo expresses the idea that every family and individual is special and unique. Societal norms frequently categorize behaviors as either acceptable or unacceptable, good or bad, extreme or moderate, but no family escapes this intricacy. Each family has its own distinct qualities, originality, and identity. Recognizing, accepting, and embracing these differences helps us to feel connected in a diverse society where everyone is unique,” Hermosillo explains.

People generally strive for a sense of belonging, finding a group – a ‘tribe’ – where they can be true to themselves and share their personal experiences honestly. Even when we encounter difficulties in our family relationships, particularly with loved ones such as mothers or siblings, these connections vary from friendships. It seems that families are given more room for error. I think it’s worth examining the reasons behind this and how these patterns play out in other aspects of life, like work and social circles.

A candid portrayal of Roberta’s childhood, encompassing its magic and the disenchantment it sometimes brings. The narrative vividly captures Roberta’s wild spirit, absorbing the struggles of the elders as a sponge would absorb water. Despite sharing in the anguish and solitude that come with being an outsider in difficult circumstances, Roberta clings to hope fiercely. Her charisma evokes a poignant memory – a time when our own childhood innocence was shattered by external factors.

Hermosillo expresses that shaping Roberta’s viewpoint resonates with his personal journey. Throughout his life, he has maintained a playful nature despite the necessities of being serious. Over time, the concerns, apprehensions, and hardships of others inevitably create a weight that one cannot escape, regardless of an inclination towards levity. Eventually, you must confront the truth—an unsettling realization that things will evolve, adapt, and ultimately impact you too.

She mentions: “One of the most significant events in my childhood was being open and truthful with me by my mother and grandmother. They seldom concealed matters, be they financial difficulties, emotional turmoil or breakups. Although this honesty molded me, it also altered my youthful experiences. It didn’t scar me, but it metamorphosed me. It was like being at a friend’s birthday celebration—everyone is having fun and playing until someone gets hurt, causing the festivities to abruptly end, and you have to face that moment of pain. Life, in essence, is similar. It’s filled with happiness and naivete, but eventually, the real world intervenes and shifts the mood. I aimed to portray this duality in Roberta’s world—the equilibrium between carefree spirit and those instances where life’s gravity necessitates recognition.

Aurora Dávila, Fernanda Baca, María Castella, Paloma Petra, Natalia Plascencia, Rosy Rojas, and Lola Ochoa are the main cast of a project that was backed by Mexico’s Focine fund in 2023, following its selection for script development by the National Fund for Culture and the Arts in 2021. In March, this film was chosen to be part of the Cinema in Progress section at the Rencontres de Toulouse Festival.

Overcoming obstacles, ‘Vainilla’ was made possible despite Redrum typically working on studio-funded projects. This independent film came to fruition through Mexican film incentives and the support of our dedicated collaborators. Made with limited resources but overflowing with passion and determination, it’s a true labor of love. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this project, and we eagerly anticipate securing the necessary funds to distribute ‘Vainilla’ globally. Filled with gratitude and excitement for the future, Perskie, Luna Cantú, and Porras Madero expressed these sentiments.

2024-12-06 16:47

Mexico’s Mayra Hermosillo Nods to Unconventional Families in Debut Feature ‘Vainilla,’ a Ventana Sur Favorite Backed by ‘Bardo’ Producer Redrum

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