Mexican actress Mayra Hermosillo's directorial debut in the film titled 'Vanilla' has been acquired by Bendita Film Sales prior to its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, it's been reported exclusively.
In the world of cinema, a new voice is making waves with its poignant and personal exploration of identity, family, and womanhood. The film, titled "Vanilla," is the feature directorial debut of Mayra Hermosillo, a talented filmmaker who has previously appeared in Netflix's "Narcos: Mexico" and Amat Escalante's "Lost in the Night."
Set in late 1980s Mexico, "Vanilla" is an intimate study of a non-traditional all-female, multi-generational household. The story revolves around eight-year-old Roberta, who witnesses her family of seven women, led by her grandmother, grappling with mounting debt to save their home.
The film delves into the difficult process of breaking free from the limitations of inherited social expectations of women, emphasising themes of female solidarity and personal growth within a confined societal context. According to Hermosillo, "Vanilla" was born from a need to share the journey of deconstructing the expectations placed on women and invites reflection on how our circumstances push us to discover who we are and to redefine femininity, and its relationship with masculinity. The story is inspired by her first 10 years of life and is deeply personal.
"Vanilla" features a talented ensemble cast, including Aurora Dávila, María Castellá, Natalia Plascencia, Paloma Petra, Rosy Rojas, Fernanda Baca, and Lola Ochoa.
The script for "Vanilla" was selected by Mexico's National Fund for Culture and the Arts to be developed during the writing process. The production of the film was supported by FOCINE, FONCA, and Guadalajara CTT. In 2021, Hermosillo was a beneficiary of the FOCINE Post-Production Support Program for her second short film, "Me quedo aquí."
"Vanilla" has already garnered recognition at industry events such as Ventana Sur and Cinelatino Toulouse. The film will world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in the Venice Days sidebar.
Luis Renart, CEO of Bendita, described "Vanilla" as a film with striking emotional truth and a debut of remarkable sensitivity. The film promises to be a thought-provoking and emotional journey that resonates with audiences, making it a must-watch for film enthusiasts.
This poignant exploration of identity and womanhood in movies-and-tv is captivating audiences worldwide, with its title, "Vanilla," being a significant part of the entertainment landscape. The film, set in late 1980s Mexico, showcases themes of female solidarity, personal growth, and societal context, making it a thought-provoking piece of entertainment.
