We recommend delving into the work of Claudia Sainte-Luce & Jhonny Hendrix Hinestroza and discover what Afro-Latinx directors are creating!

Still from THE AMAZING CATFISH (2013)

Claudia Sainte-Luce is a Mexican screenwriter, director and actress. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Sainte-Luce studied visual arts at the University of Guadalajara, made some short films and worked as an assistant director on several Mexican films before writing her own scripts. Her highly acclaimed debut feature THE AMAZING CATFISH premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in 2013.

VLAFF has shown 4 of Sainte-Luce’s 5 feature films, her latest film LOVE AND MATHEMATICS, was the opening film at the 21st Vancouver Latin American Film Festival in 2023.

A very prolific artist, Sainte-Luce’s second film THE EMPTY BOX stars herself as the lead actress. It is an accomplished film that follows the story of a young woman in Mexico city who has to take care of her undocumented Haitian father.

Still from THE EMPTY BOX (2016)

Claudia Sainte-Luce is recognized by many experts as one of the most important contemporary Mexican filmmakers.

Filmography:

LOVE AND MATHEMATICS, 2023
THE REALM OF GOD, 2022
THE PATH OF THE SUN, 2021
THE EMPTY BOX, 2016
THE AMAZING CATFISH, 2013

Still from CHOCÓ (2012)

Jhonny Hendrix Hinestroza was born in Quibdo, Chocó Province in Colombia. He has more than 20 years of experience as a film director and producer. In 2003, he founded the company Antorcha Films, which both produces its own film projects and provides production services for film and television. Hendrix studied journalism and began his career working as a radio host. He also produced and directed TV commercials, music videos, and fiction pieces for various production houses and advertising agencies.

One of VLAFF’s most beloved guests, Hendrix has attended our festival on three occasions, as a director and producer. Jhonny is the first Afro-Colombian director to direct a feature film, CHOCÓ (2012), an exploration of the difficult condition of Afro-Colombian women. Chocó is also the name of his region in Colombia, where more than 90% of residents are Afro descendants. 

Jhonny Hendrix Hinestroza is a director who has expanded the horizons of Colombian cinema. From his debut film CHOCÓ to SAUDÓ (2016), the first Colombian Pacific horror film which delves into the world of witchcraft and black magic, and CANDELARIA (2017)—shot in Cuba—a delicate and endearing film that dares to address the sexual life of the elderly during the Special Period of the island.

Still from CANDELARIA (2017)

Filmography:

GOSPEL, 2022
CANDELARIA, 2017
SAUDÓ, 2016
CHOCÓ, 2012