Mexican actress Mayra Hermosillo steps into the directorial spotlight with her debut feature film “Vanilla,” which has been expertly acquired by Bendita Film Sales. This timely move comes just ahead of the film’s highly anticipated world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, specifically within the Venice Days sidebar. The film promises to deliver a compelling narrative that delves into themes of identity, family, and womanhood.
A New Voice in Cinema
“Vanilla” marks a significant turn in actress Mayra Hermosillo’s career, best known for her performances in Netflix’s “Narcos: Mexico” and Amat Escalante’s Cannes-featured “Lost in the Night.” This film represents her voice as a director, weaving a story that is as intimate as it is impactful. “Vanilla” has already garnered acclaim, winning awards at key industry events like Ventana Sur and Cinelatino Toulouse, indicating its strong potential to resonate with wider audiences.
A Deeply Personal Narrative
Set in late 1980s Mexico, “Vanilla” introduces us to eight-year-old Roberta, who witnesses her family’s struggle to save their home from encroaching debt. This multi-generational, all-female household becomes a lens through which Hermosillo explores the broader themes of societal expectations and personal identity. Drawing from her own life, Hermosillo describes the film as a journey to redefine femininity and confront the challenges imposed by inherited norms.
“’Vanilla’ was born from a need to share the journey of deconstructing the expectations placed on women,” Hermosillo explains. “It invites reflection on how circumstances push us to discover who we are and redefine femininity and its relationship with masculinity.”
Industry Support and Anticipation
The production of “Vanilla” has been bolstered by significant support, with backing from Mexico’s National Fund for Culture and the Arts and FOCINE. Filming commenced in 2023, featuring a talented cast including Aurora Dávila, María Castellá, and Natalia Plascencia. Produced by Redrum and Huasteca Casa Cinematografica, “Vanilla” is poised to make a strong impression on audiences worldwide.
Luis Renart, CEO of Bendita Film Sales, praised the film’s unique perspective: “’Vanilla’ feels both intimate and expansive. Mayra’s tender, fearless gaze turns her own memories into a portrait of identity, family, and the experience of womanhood with striking emotional truth.”
Previous Achievements
Prior to “Vanilla,” Hermosillo had already made a mark with her short films. In 2018, she co-directed “En la piel de Lucía,” which was showcased at the Guadalajara Film Festival and various international venues, earning accolades in France and Spain. Her second short, “Me quedo aquí,” benefited from the FOCINE Post-Production Support Program in 2021, further cementing her reputation as a rising talent in the film industry.
With “Vanilla,” Mayra Hermosillo not only redefines her career path but also brings a fresh and poignant narrative to the screen, inviting audiences to engage with themes of femininity, identity, and societal expectations.
