The 20th Monterrey Film Festival’s 10 Standout Films: From ‘The In Between’ to Palm Dog Winner ‘Dog on Trial’

The 20th edition of Mexico’s Monterrey Film Festival will take place from September 25 to October 2, showcasing nearly 100 films sourced from prestigious international festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW.

This event will feature Mexican, Latin American, and world premieres of both fiction and documentary films, many directed by emerging filmmakers. Here are ten exceptional titles to look out for:

“The Blue Star,” directed by Javier Macipe, Spain, Argentina (Mexican premiere)

Set in the 1990s, this film is a co-production involving Fernando Bovaira’s Mod Producciones, Macipe’s El Pez Amarillo, Cimarrón, and Argentina’s Prisma. It follows Mauricio, a renowned Spanish rock musician on a journey across Latin America to reconnect with his heritage.

He encounters Don Carlos, an elderly musician struggling to gain recognition despite having written some of his country’s most beloved folk songs. Acting as a mentor, Carlos guides Mauricio, leading to a quirky partnership reminiscent of Don Quixote, though destined for commercial failure. International sales are managed by Film Factory Entertainment.

“Carnalismo,” directed by José Luis Cano, Mexico (world premiere)

This documentary focuses on the Low Biker community in Durango, showcasing how members bond over their passion for cumbia music and cycling while confronting societal prejudices.

Since 2019, Cano has contributed as a programmer for the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival and has established himself as a music video director and independent documentary producer.

“Dog on Trial,” directed by Laetitia Dosch, France, Switzerland (Latin American premiere)

A winner of the Palm Dog at Cannes 2024, this comedy follows Avril, a young lawyer determined to save her repeat-offender dog client from euthanasia. The canine companion helps Avril explore the complications of her humanity.

This marks Dosch’s directorial debut; she is known for her roles in Justine Triet’s “Age of Panic” and Léonor Serraille’s “Jeune Femme,” which received the Caméra d’Or at Cannes in 2017. MK2 Films oversees international sales.

“Eat the Night,” directed by Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel, France (Mexican premiere)

The story centers on Pablo, a small-time dealer, and his teenage sister Apolline, who share a strong bond over their obsession with the online game Darknoon.

Pablo’s infatuation with the enigmatic Night leads him to neglect Apolline, who faces the looming shutdown of their virtual world alone. As Pablo’s reckless actions provoke a rival gang, their lives descend into chaos. The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.

“Fragmentos de Olvido,” directed by Rubén Villa, Mexico (world premiere)

David, a skilled therapist specializing in memory manipulation, attempts to save his dying wife by implanting her memories into an unsuspecting patient in this debut feature from Villa.

However, his well-intentioned plan spirals into a dark nightmare. Villa has previously directed several short films, including “La Apuesta del Alma” (2017) and “La Melodía de la Victoria” (2019), as well as an animated short titled “Akasha” (2020).

“Good One,” directed by India Donaldson, U.S. (Mexican premiere)

In her first film, 17-year-old Sam (Lily Collias) embarks on a three-day backpacking trip in the Catskills with her father and his friend. Caught between their bickering and old grievances, Sam attempts to mediate.

When tensions reach a breaking point and her trust is shattered, she confronts her father’s emotional shortcomings, ultimately deciding to redefine her role as the “good one” in the family. This drama explores the moment when a parent-child relationship undergoes a profound shift. The film had its world premiere at Sundance 2024.

“The In Between,” directed by Robie Flores, U.S. (Latin American premiere)

This debut feature documentary offers an intimate portrayal of a vibrant bi-cultural and bi-national community. It follows Flores as she returns to her childhood hometown of Eagle Pass to reflect on her upbringing along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film is supported by organizations like Just Films, Chicken & Egg, and Field of Vision, and premiered at SXSW.

“Retaguardia,” directed by Ramón Lluís Bande, Spain (world premiere)

This documentary provides insight into antifascist propaganda cinema that could have existed but never did. It compiles unfilmed short films (Cine-Avances) from Republican Asturias in 1937 into a full-length feature.

Utilizing lessons from Soviet propaganda cinema of the 1920s and 1930s, the film incorporates period materials, photographs, essays, and illustrations from influential figures of that era.

“Wild Diamond,” directed by Agathe Riedinger, France (Latin American premiere)

In her feature debut, Riedinger follows 19-year-old Liane, who lives with her mother and sister in Fréjus, France. Obsessed with achieving beauty and stardom, she auditions for a reality show called “Miracle Island.”

As a writer, director, and photographer, Riedinger employs various narrative styles, often blending excess and irony to challenge traditional viewpoints. Her work frequently addresses themes of emancipation and the female experience.

“Witches,” directed by Elizabeth Sankey, U.K. (Mexican premiere)

In her follow-up to the 2019 documentary “Romantic Comedy,” Sankey draws on her experiences with post-partum depression to investigate the portrayal of witches in film.

She examines how these representations reflect societal attitudes toward women, motherhood, and mental health, merging personal narratives with cultural critique. The film premiered at Tribeca and is set to stream on Mubi by 2025.