¡Feliz Quinceañera, FILMéxico!

This year, FILMéxico hits its 15-year milestone, a quinceñera for Mexican cinema in Salt Lake. This celebration of Mexican art, culture and storytelling has shown us the vast range of voices that exist within Mexican cinema. Now, more than ever, is the best time to not just observe, but indulge in the cailable to the general public. Whether it be a well-written contemporary drama about dysfunctional family dynamreativity coming out of Mexico. FILMéxico offers locals the chance to see stories that might otherwise not be avics or an experimental journey to reconcile the past and present, FILMéxico offers a diverse lineup that is sure to surprise and endear those who choose to experience such a momentous occasion.

As a courtesy, SLUG Magazine was made privy to one of the most exciting films in the festival’s line-up, En El Camino (On the Road). Described as one of the edgier and more graphic selections, En El Camino is also Mexico’s official entry for Best International Film for the 2027 Academy Awards. The film centers on Veneno (Victor Prieto Simental), a young gay hustler who is on the road trading his body for money and rides from truckers. At one truck stop, he meets Muñeco (Osvaldo Sanchez Valenzuela), an older truck driver who is currently dealing with familial issues and addiction. Muñeco agrees to take Veneno where he needs to go, only to find himself falling for Veneno. However, Veneno’s past is not too far behind them, and suddenly both men find themselves way in over their heads in more ways than one.

To say the film is a road trip story would be a disservice, but it does apply the most important rule of road trip stories, which is that the destination is never the goal, but it is what is learned throughout the journey. The film explores ideas of loneliness and affection, the need to be close to others and accepted, but also the danger that comes with vulnerability. 

The film also highlights something that is rarely seen in Mexican cinema: a focus on queerness in the Mexican community and its relationship with machismo. Anyone who has grown up in a Mexican household, especially any first-generation children, knows that queerness is not something that is talked about; in fact, the subject will be avoided altogether even if it is staring them right in the face. It was both shocking and refreshing seeing a Mexican film be so blunt and matter-of-fact when it comes to the subject of gay sex. There is no salaciousness nor shame, and it is very explicit when it comes to nudity and sex. But what I found even more intriguing was the shying away from violence. It sort of reads as a jab at censorship in how it is so unabashed and unflinching in its portrayal of queer intercourse and nudity, and yet it obscures its more violent scenes, save for one impactful shot. This aspect stands out to me because most mainstream films and shows would go the opposite direction and employ more violence to get viewers’ attention while simultaneously sterilizing the sexual components of the story.

The film also oozes with expertise. The director, David Pablos, approaches each scene with a level of deliberation and intention that allows you to pick up a whole story with just a single shot. Something that also doesn’t get enough praise and feels lacking in current cinema is blocking. Pablos excels in giving the viewer just enough information with his blocking techniques and drawing the eye to where it needs to be. It is a talent that complements his style in capturing life as it is. Except for a few flashbacks, the journey the characters go on never feels dramatized and, in fact, is more interested in showing you the lives of the leads and the people that surround them. Even when the film reaches its more heightened story beats, the film still remains firmly grounded in reality. This aspect of the filmmaking sticks with you and exists as a reminder that though this is a film, it doesn’t mean the sentiments of the film don’t ring true.

FILMéxico will feature many more daring, intriguing and creative pieces of cinema at the Broadway Centre Cinemas between Nov. 12-19. Attend and celebrate 15 years of Mexican cinema with filmmakers and film lovers alike.  —Angela Garcia

Read more film reviews here:
Film Review: The Devils – SLUG Magazine
Film Review: Wildwood – SLUG Magazine

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