Set over a single day, TOTEM is a tender, choral drama that explores life, love, loss and time.
In a large, bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol (played by magnificent young star Naíma Sentíes) is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party being held for her father, Tona. Seen mostly through Sol’s eyes, the preparations are led by her mother, aunts and other relatives at her grandfather’s home.
As the day goes on, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year and watches as her family does the same. Daylight fades and tensions rise with a strange and chaotic atmosphere taking over, shattering the bonds that hold the family together.
Teeming with life, this minutely observed ensemble piece is the second feature from Mexican writer-director Lila Avilés (THE CHAMBERMAID SPA19). Delicately balancing grief and celebration, touching drama Totem shares a series of evocative character studies and an immersive portrait of a family in crisis.
MEXICO OFFICIAL SELECTION – Best International Feature, Academy Awards 2024
OFFICIAL SELECTION – San Sebastián International Film Festival 2023
WINNER – Ecumenical Jury Prize, Berlin Film Festival 2023
WINNER – Top Five International Films, National Board of Review USA 2023
"One of the finest movies you’ll see this year."
- New York Times
Tuesday 11th June
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93 min
CTC
Naíma Sentíes, Montserrat Marañon, Marisol Gasé, Mateo Garcia, Saori Gurza
Lila Avilés
Film Festival
Spanish with English subtitles
Palace Balwyn Cinema, Palace James Street, Palace Barracks, Palace Norton St, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Electric, Palace Byron Bay, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Central Sydney, Palace Moore Park, Kino Cinema, Palace Raine Square
