TEHRAN – “Tótem,” a 2023 film by Mexican film director and screenwriter Lila Avilés, will be screened at the Andisheh Cultural Center in Tehran on Monday.
Following the screening, there will be a review session in the presence of film critics Mehdi Soltani and Mohsen Soleimani Fakher.
Totem follows seven-year-old Sol as she spends a momentous day at her grandfather’s house, where her aunts Nuri and Alejandra are organizing a birthday party for her father Tonatiuh. This celebration, which may be his last, is also a bittersweet farewell. As evening falls, Sol experiences a disturbing change in her surroundings that confronts her with the reality of letting go and the complexities of life and loss.
The film premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival and competed for the prestigious Golden Bear. A co-production between Mexico, Denmark and France, “Tótem” garnered widespread critical acclaim and was eventually recognized by the National Board of Review as one of the five best international films of 2023. It was also selected as Mexico’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards and made the shortlist of 15 finalists.
“Tótem” has received a remarkable 97 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the positive reception from audiences and critics alike. The consensus praises it as a “heartfelt film” that handles complex themes with grace, and calls it a significant win for Avilés.
Critics praise “Tótem” for its vivid portrayal of family dynamics. The film has also received numerous awards, including the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival. Other successes include awards for Best Film and Best Cinematography at the Lima Film Festival.
Born in Mexico City in 1982, Avilés is a well-known Mexican film director, screenwriter, actress and producer. She made her feature film debut in 2018 with The Chambermaid, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film received critical acclaim, won the Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for Best Director. It was also Mexico’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.
SAB/
