Release of "Tótem", supported by Aide aux cinémas du monde
Published on 30 October 2024
In Tótem, Lila Avilés confirms her ability to film the intimate through a poignant family portrait, where she highlights the sweetness of childhood, the need to put down roots and the loneliness of tender age. In theaters in France on October 30, 2024, and winner of the Ecumenical Jury Prize at Berlinale 2023, the film was supported by the Aide aux cinémas du monde co-managed by the French Institute and the CNC.
The revelation of a Mexican filmmaker
Born in 1982 in Mexico City, Lila Avilés is a filmmaker, screenwriter, director and actress. After studying scenic arts, she became an actress in TV series, then made her mark as a filmmaker with the short film Dejá vu in 2016. Two years later, she founded her company Limerencia Films before directing her first feature, La Camarista, the same year. Screened at over sixty festivals worldwide, it was selected to represent Mexico at the 2020 Oscars, then the Goya Awards. Winner of the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 2023 Berlinale, Tótem is his second feature film.
A special day
In Tótem, Lila Avilés follows seven-year-old Sol as she spends the day at her grandfather's house. As a surprise party for her father prepares, events soon take a different turn and upset the family balance. As the day progresses, anxiety, fear and pressure are unleashed against the backdrop of the revelation of a delicate medical reality. Amidst this hubbub of emotions, Lila Avilés aptly films the loneliness of childhood and the shift towards adult issues.
A melancholy, tender film
With her nervous, perpetually moving direction, Lila Avilés manages to capture the intimate daily life of a family in the throes of self-doubt. In front of her camera, three generations tell the story of their existential torments and trials. She skilfully films these moments of confusion and hesitation from a child's point of view, as well as their relationship with others and animals, and the importance of feeling at home in a reassuring environment. A second feature film with a particularly masterful rhythm, filled with tenderness and gentleness.
A second film awarded at the Berlinale
From her first feature, Lila Avilés has enjoyed recognition for her work with festival presentations, as well as the Ariel First Film Award, and the Mexican Feature Film Eye at the 2019 Morelia International Film Festival. For Tótem, she was selected for the Berlinale 2023, where she received the Ecumenical Jury Prize. The film was supported by Aide aux cinémas du monde, co-managed by the French Institute and the CNC. This aid enables feature-length fiction, animation or creative documentary projects to be supported for their first theatrical release.
On the same theme
Network space
Lʼespace réseau provides members of the French cultural network abroad with personalized tools and offers.