Gabriel Gutiérrez Morales’ film 'Tijuana, Todavía' highlights the struggle of a gay refugee and is now competing for the Queer Lion at Venice.
Mexico’s film ‘Tijuana, Todavía,’ directed by Gabriel Gutiérrez Morales, has been selected to compete for the prestigious Queer Lion at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. The announcement was made on September 5, 2026, as part of the festival's commitment to highlight diverse voices in cinema. This recognition underscores the film's exploration of pressing social issues, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ refugees.
Produced on a limited budget of €200,000 (approximately $234,000), ‘Tijuana, Todavía’ was developed rapidly within just three weeks for writing and scheduling. The film was supported by the Biennale College – Cinema, as detailed by Variety. Producer Humberto Busto emphasized that despite financial limitations, the constraints fostered a joyful creative process. The film's relatively small budget is notably challenging in the context of Mexican cinema, where projects typically demand larger financial commitments.
Set in the border town of Tijuana, the narrative follows Maksim, a young queer man fleeing Russia to escape conscription in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and Chava, a middle-aged gay man navigating the complexities of Northern Mexican masculinity. According to producer and actor Busto, the film aims to address the urgent need for dialogue surrounding queer migration, reflecting the realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in both their home and host countries.
The character of Maksim, portrayed by Petr Filimonov, mirrors the struggles of real-life refugees. Filimonov, also a queer refugee from Russia, faced persecution for his sexual orientation and opposition to the war, highlighting the film’s commitment to authenticity through personal ties. Busto revealed that Filimonov’s journey closely paralleled that of his character, adding a powerful layer to the film's narrative.
Gutiérrez Morales positioned ‘Tijuana, Todavía’ within the broader context of immigration and queer visibility amid ongoing societal challenges. Busto noted the film arrives at a crucial juncture, especially given the recent political landscape in Italy, where the Ministry of Culture has withdrawn support from the Queer Lion for the first time in the award's 20-year history.
In discussing the necessity of telling this story, Gutiérrez Morales emphasized the importance of depicting life along the border through a less commonly explored perspective, highlighting the cultural richness and complexity of Tijuana. He shared personal anecdotes from his youth, responding to the need for visibility in storytelling, asserting that personal histories can illuminate broader societal issues.
The film is produced by Fosfo Producciones and highlights the resilience and creativity of queer filmmakers under tight constraints. The involvement of the Casa de Luz refugee shelter in the film underscores its deep-rooted connections to themes of love, migration, and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
The selection of ‘Tijuana, Todavía’ signifies a vital platform for discussions surrounding queer identities and refugee experiences in contemporary cinema. As it competes for the Queer Lion, this film represents artistic achievements amid adversity and serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by queer individuals globally, particularly in contexts of political unrest.
The film’s journey through the Venice Film Festival could potentially enhance visibility and foster conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and representation, both in Mexico and beyond.
For more on similar stories related to the Venice Film Festival, check out our articles on Maggie Gyllenhaal’s latest project and the exploration of trauma in ‘Oasis’.
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