Film Countries Archives: Mexico

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Two men wearing matching yellow polos lean against a fence topped with barbed wire, one smokes a cigarettes.

firedream lumbrensueño

  José Pablo Escamilla

  Mexico     80 minutes

Synopsis

Lucas is a teenager in limbo. He and his family have recently started over in a gray, industrial city, where he works aimlessly flipping burgers at a restaurant that never ceases to exploit him. He spends his afternoons with his coworker and friend Oscar, a socially awkward free spirit who resists the family and work pressures to which Lucas feels so beholden. When Oscar suddenly departs on a distant journey, entrusting Lucas with a shoebox full of his memories and most valued possessions, these objects will send Lucas on a path of discovery and connection. Through poetry and photography, he seeks to capture the light he observes amongst the darkness, and bring it back home.

José Pablo Escamilla’s formally daring second feature is a poetic odyssey, searching for meaning in grief and genuine human connection through the act of creating.

 Spanish with subtitles

[spoiler title="Content Considerations"]Suggestion of self harm[/spoiler]Learn about Festival content considerations...

Screenings & Events

Media

Film Credits

  •   Diandra Arriaga
  •   José Pablo Escamilla, Nicolasa Ruiz
  •   Julieta Seco
  •   Miguel Escudero
  •   Diego Solis, Imix Lamak, Teresita Sánchez
  •   Lucerna Records, Isaac Soto
  •   La Biennale Di Venezia
  •   Colectivo Colmena
  •   https://www.colmena.tv/en/film/lumbrensueno/

Sponsors

New Directors Program Sponsors

Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation

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Red Shoes Zapatos rojos

  Carlos Eichelmann Kaiser

  Mexico      2022    

Synopsis

When Artemio receives unsettling news about his daughter, he sets out from his remote mountain farm for Mexico City in search of answers. As he struggles to navigate the utterly foreign capital, he strikes up an unlikely friendship with a down-on-her-luck sex worker. Together the two embark on a journey through the city’s labyrinthian streets and bureaucracies. A profound, poetic visual style and empathetic lead performances power this quietly ferocious fable about love, duty, and determination.

 Spanish with subtitles 
  83 minutes

Screenings & Events

Media

Sponsors

Film Partner

Logo: Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago 250x75

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Perdida

  Jorge Michel Grau

  Mexico      2019    

Synopsis

In this stylish thriller, ambitious orchestra conductor Eric lands in Mexico City with his wife Carolina after accepting a prestigious position with the Philharmonic. It feels like they are living their dream, so Carolina’s sudden departure leaves Eric angry and confused. Finding refuge in the arms of sympathetic bartender Fabiana, Eric plunges into a steamy affair. But then the girlfriend starts asking questions about the wife’s disappearance. A remake of the Colombian hit The Hidden Face.

 Spanish with subtitles 
  106 minutes

Screenings & Events

Post-Screening Discussion

Post-screening discussion led by journalist Alejandro Riera

Post-screening discussion presented by: Logo: Citi 161x100

Sponsors

Film Partner

Logo: Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago 250x75

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You Are My Passion Eres mi pasión

  Anwar Safa

  Mexico      2018    

Synopsis

Pedro eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer. He schedules his entire life around the sport, dropping anything and everything to watch his beloved, downtrodden club, Cruz Azul. Fed up with being ignored, his family’s patience with his obsession begins to wear thin. On the verge of losing everything, Pedro must choose between his family and his favorite team in this warm, hilarious sendup of modern day sports fanaticism.

 Spanish with subtitles 
  105 minutes

Media

Sponsors

Film Partner

Logo: Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago 250x75

Walking Distance

The film Walking Distance (Distincias Cortas) is a modern day urban fairytale about Fede, a morbidly obese man whose weight makes it difficult for him to leave his house. Living a life of isolation, his only human connection comes through weekly visits by his overbearing sister and her long-suffering husband. After his brother in law shows Fede his vacation photos, Fede becomes inspired to leave his house and develop an old roll of film found in his house. Through this experience, Fede’s life becomes renewed, introducing friendship, discovery and joy into his life.

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