(Lorena Padilla, Mexico, 2023, 93 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)

Set in Guadalajara and starring Chilean actor Francisco Reyes (protagonist of the acclaimed Academy Award-winning film A Fantastic Woman), the debut feature by writer-director Lorena Padilla tells the story of Martínez, a lonely and grumpy old man who leads a monotonous life working as an accountant. One day, he is forced to face the fact that he is about to retire when Pablo, the guy that is going to replace him, starts working next to him. While his stability is suddenly threatened, his neighbor, a woman around his age, is found dead in her home after several days. Although he never met her, little by little Martínez uncovers details about the woman, a process that positively impacts his behavior, prompting his co-worker to think he has a new girlfriend. Facing a personal crisis, his neighbor’s death ultimately makes Martínez realize that his life is still ahead of him.

Q&A with director Lorena Padilla