Berlin Golden Bear Winner Lila Avilés Wraps Production on ‘Cábula,’ Releases First Look Ahead of Venice Gap-Financing Market (EXCLUSIVE)

Lila Avilés, the director who garnered critical acclaim with her film “Totém,” has successfully completed the principal photography for her new cinematic endeavor, “Cábula.” This project, poised to be a significant work, will soon be introduced to potential collaborators at the upcoming Venice Gap-Financing Market. The narrative centers on Toña, an exceptionally committed teacher from the fictional community of Mexicalpan, who passionately fosters her students' artistic talents. When the opportunity arises for her and her students to present their cultural heritage in the capital, they confront a group of powerful figures intent on appropriating their traditions. Despite facing various challenges and betrayals, Toña remains steadfast in her belief in the profound impact of education. The film, penned by Avilés alongside Miguel Vasallo, is produced by Nicolás Celis for Cuadernos de Cine, with Maria Zamora of Elastica Films serving as co-producer. The cast features notable talents such as Teresita Sánchez, Gabriela Cartol, and Montserrat Marañón. Avilés's unique approach utilizes comedy as a powerful tool for resilience against a harsh world, portraying humor as a vital release and a collective reflection that challenges authority and reconstructs societal bonds through vulnerability, compassion, and playful defiance. At its core, “Cábula” stands as an homage to the teaching profession, highlighting the often-unrecognized dedication of educators in resource-limited environments.

The Visionary Behind "Cábula"

Acclaimed director Lila Avilés, celebrated for her Berlin Golden Bear-winning feature "Totém," has concluded the production of her highly anticipated film, "Cábula." An exclusive initial glimpse into the project has been revealed ahead of its presentation at the Venice Gap-Financing Market, scheduled from September 4-6. Set in the imagined Mexican town of Mexicalpan, the movie chronicles the journey of Toña, a compassionate and devoted educator who champions her students' creative potential. The plot thickens when Toña and her class travel to the capital to represent their community, only to encounter an elite faction determined to exploit their customs. Through these trials, Toña's commitment to her calling and her faith in education's transformative power are solidified. This film follows Avilés's previous success, "The Chambermaid," which earned her the Ariel First Feature Film Award at the Toronto Film Festival in 2018, further establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.

"Cábula" is a creation from the combined talents of Avilés and Miguel Vasallo, with production led by Nicolás Celis, known for his work on the Oscar-winning film "Roma," through his Mexico City-based company, Cuadernos de Cine. Maria Zamora of Elastica Films is a co-producer, and the film boasts a strong cast including Teresita Sánchez, Gabriela Cartol, and Montserrat Marañón. Avilés describes the film as a comedic resistance against a dehumanizing world, where humor serves as a collective mirror to question power dynamics and rebuild societal connections through vulnerability and irreverence. The story is a heartfelt tribute to education, portraying underpaid teachers as unsung heroes in a nation with limited resources. Teresita Sánchez, who also starred in Avilés’s earlier works, is highlighted as the director's muse, embodying a character whose quiet strength provides a moral counterpoint to the surrounding chaos. Sánchez's portrayal of Toña captures a woman deeply connected to her students and her educational mission, driven by a desire for genuine transformation. Avilés's filmmaking journey is characterized by a continuous evolution, with each project naturally leading to the next, reflecting stories that originate from the heart rather than just the mind, solidifying her reputation as a visionary in Mexican cinema.

A Narrative of Resilience and Educational Impact

Lila Avilés, a celebrated filmmaker and Berlin Golden Bear laureate for her work on “Totém,” has successfully concluded the filming of her latest feature, “Cábula.” This new project, for which an exclusive preview has been released, is slated for presentation at the Venice Gap-Financing Market, taking place from September 4 to 6. The film is set in the fictional Mexican locale of Mexicalpan and follows Toña, a devoted and compassionate teacher committed to fostering her students' creativity. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when an invitation to represent their community leads Toña and her class to the capital, where they encounter an absurd group of elites aiming to co-opt and exploit their cultural practices. Despite these significant obstacles and betrayals, Toña's resolve is strengthened, reaffirming her dedication to her vocation and her steadfast belief in the transformative power of education. The film was penned by Avilés and Miguel Vasallo and is produced by Nicolás Celis for Cuadernos de Cine, with co-production by Maria Zamora of Elastica Films, featuring Teresita Sánchez, Gabriela Cartol, and Montserrat Marañón in key roles.

Avilés's cinematic vision for "Cábula" utilizes comedy as a form of resistance against a harsh, dehumanizing world. The director describes humor as an essential escape valve and a collective reflection that challenges established power structures. Through vulnerability, tenderness, and irreverence, the film aims to rebuild the social fabric, making it a profound tribute to education. In a country where resources are often scarce, teachers are portrayed as anonymous heroes whose tireless efforts drive meaningful change. Teresita Sánchez, a veteran Mexican actress who has previously collaborated with Avilés in "The Chambermaid" and "Totém," takes on the central role. Avilés hails Sánchez as her muse, drawing parallels to Federico Fellini's wife, Giulietta Messina, highlighting her unique ability to evoke both laughter and tears. Sánchez's natural aptitude for the character of Toña, a woman whose calm, nurturing presence acts as a moral counterweight to chaos, is central to the film's message. Avilés emphasizes Toña's deep connection to her students and her vocation, driven by an unwavering enthusiasm to inspire genuine transformation. As Avilés's third feature film, it builds upon a formidable body of work that has twice represented Mexico in the Oscar race for best international feature film, demonstrating a continuous artistic evolution where each project seamlessly flows into the next, stemming from a deeply felt, rather than merely intellectual, source of inspiration.