Chilemonos Spotlight
A showcase highlighting a diverse array of stories that exemplify the potential of Latin American animation from the past two years at the CHILEMONOS Festival. A material and emotional journey that reveals the transformations, challenges, and vibrant creativity of the continent’s newest voices.
How a River is Born
Dir. Luma Flôres | Brasil | 8 min | Portuguese
Ayla awakens in a mountainous landscape, surrounded only by lush vegetation and a river. Driven by curiosity and a desire to explore her surroundings, she embarks on a journey of discovery and immersion. As she uncovers where she is, she also discovers who she is.
The Magic Garden
Dir. Carlon Hardt & Naira Carneiro | Brasil | 6 min | English
Two friends discover a hidden treasure, but neither of them wants to keep it. Together, they find a solution that will bring a wonderful future to the entire town. “The Magic Garden” is a story about generosity and the transforming power of true treasures.
K’uchu: A Childhood Place
Dir. Alessio Del Pozo Temoche | Perú | 11 min | Spanish
Óscar begins isolating himself in his childhood world of games. His best friend, Jesús, no longer wants to play after falling in love with Betsa, their classmate. Caught in the dilemma between leaving his childhood behind or being left alone with his games, terrorist violence erupts—forcing him to abandon everything in an instant, growing up suddenly as he leaves his hometown behind. Forty years later, Óscar remembers it all as he walks down the highway back to his homeland, searching for food and shelter amid the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today I Will Only Come Home Tomorrow
Dir. Diego Lacerda | Brasil | 8 min | Portuguese
On the slopes of Olinda, Marina searches for the ecstasy of Carnival. Her journey is seen through the eyes of ten different characters, with a unique director bringing their artistic vision to each one. But amidst such a crowd, how do you find Carnival?
Who's Waiting for You?
Dir. YUCA (Daniella Schuarts & Leonardo Salomão) | México | 4 min | Spanish/English
Between the real world and the spiritual realm, an ancestral Xolo dog and an ordinary man weave a story filled with affection and companionship. Inspired by the spirit of the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, A Ti, ¿Quién te Espera? shows us how love finds new ways to exist, even when the world around it changes.
Unfolding Me
Dir. Natalia Pájaro | México | 7 min | Spanish
It chronicles Henrietta’s psychotic break over three sleepless nights. Through visual metaphors, the piece explores the disconnection between body and mind, immersing the protagonist in a delirium where her reality crumbles.
Carry On!
Dir. Karla Isaura Velázquez | Mexico | 9 min | Spanish
This traveler is half human, half suitcase—and completely nervous! When it’s time to leave, the real journey begins at the check-in counter, where emotions, memories, and fears come to life.
Steps to Fly
Dir. Nicolas Conte & Rosario Carlino | Argentina & Francia | 9 min | Spanish
Locked in a room with a fan, a Bird teaches a Little Bird how to fly, even though he has no wings himself. The appearance of a mysterious briefcase will ruin the Bird’s plans and reveal to the Little Bird an unexpected chance to escape.
Hugs
Dir. Ruben Fernando Stremiz
| Argentina | 1 min | English
Hugs transcend the simplicity of a gesture; they unite, shelter, forgive, and value. They can say more than a thousand words, filling the soul with warmth and tenderness.
Odudua
Dir. Flávio Galvão | Brasil | 6 min | Portuguese
Living inside a gourd and sharing the space with a mystical being, the goddess Odudua follows the tradition of adorning herself with rings that connect her to the universe. However, the harmony within the gourd is disrupted by an unexpected decision.
In The Stars Where Dogs Dance
Dir. Raimundo Bucher, Constanza Barrios, Matías Yunge, Florencia De la Maza | Chile | 6 min | Spanish
Abandoned as a puppy for not meeting breed purity standards, Lungo, a long-legged dachshund, searches for human affection on the streets of Valparaíso, Chile. There, his path crosses with Alberto, a racing greyhound, and Cochayuya, an American Bully rescued from underground dog fighting. Together, they embark on a series of experiences that will force Lungo to face the reality he refuses to see: humans cannot be trusted.