Finlandia
(Finlandia)
Horacio Alcalá | Drama, Fiction
2021 | 97 minutes | Spain, Mexico
In Oaxaca, Finlandia explores the lives of Muxes, a Zapotec third-gender community, weaving themes of identity, resilience, and cultural authenticity.
Synopsis
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Oaxaca, Mexico, Finlandia immerses itself into the lives of the Muxes—a community embodying a third gender within Zapotec culture.
The film follows three Muxe friends navigating their complex realities, starting with Delirio, an elderly Muxe who has long served as a spiritual leader. Delirio’s premonitions and unshakable spirit anchor the community while reflecting on a lost love symbolized by postcards from Finland. Amaranta struggles for acceptance while facing rejection from their transphobic father.
Intersecting with their lives is Marta, a Spanish fashion designer on a mission to replicate traditional Zapotec designs for commercial purposes. As she befriends Amaranta, Marta grasps the deep significance of Muxe artistry, challenging her notions of appropriation and authenticity.
After a devastating earthquake shakes their world, the film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the beauty of self-expression amidst societal prejudice.
Reviews
“A film that vindicates the so-called third sex in Oaxaca, the muxes” – Alfonso Rivera, Cineuropa
"A sumptuous, multifaceted drama filled with life, love, and despair; a glorious explosion of creativity and cultural insight." – Chad Armstrong, The Queer Review
"A visual experience... with warm, arid tones contrasting the vibrant costumes that pay homage to the Muxes’ culture." – FilmAffinity
“This is a tale of memory, mysticism, and the master creativity of the Muxe.” – Chad Armstrong, The Queer Review
Citation
Coming soon.
Cataloging
A MARC record for this title is not available yet.
Pragda subjects
Anthropology
Body Image
Culture + Identity
Family
Gender + Sexuality Studies
Indigenous Peoples
Latin American Studies
Sociology
Keywords
Clips
Festivals
Seattle International Film Festival - Best Director; Lovers Italy - Gio Stajano Award; Córdoba Film Week - Audience Award; Connecticut Out Film - Best Film; Toulouse Des-images-aux-mots - Audience Award; Outshine Fort Lauderdade - Jury Award; Campeche Film Festival -Best Film; Tallgrass Film Festival - Best Film
DIRECTOR: Horacio Alcalá
NATIONALITY: Spain, Mexico
YEAR: 2021
GENRE: Drama, Fiction
LANGUAGE: Spanish
COLOR / B&W: Color
GRADE LEVEL: High School, College, Adult
SUBTITLE/CC: AVAILABLE
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: NOT AVAILABLE
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