Voy A Explotar (I’m Gonna Explode)

Oscar M — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:42:22 +0000

- Posted by Oscar M -

June 9-14 – Arclight Hollywood – Los Angeles, CA

June 19 – 25 – Century Centre Cinema – Chicago, IL

June 23-28 – Quad Cinema – New York, NY

Hola Mexico Film Festival official website

Seldom do I see a movie and say I should write a review about it and even more rare is the time I go to a film festival and am already looking forward to next years. Well this happened at the same time at the first annual Hola Mexico Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA. When I say “first annual” I mean the term loosely, Australia has been enjoying the festival since 2006 and the USA debut of the festival was in 2008, but only in New York. This year the film festival embarks on three of the nations largest Latino populated cities Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Hola Mexico Film Festival will run 14 Mexican films all projected from 35mm prints. The best part in my opinion was the fact that this great festival was showcased at the best theatre in Los Angeles the Arclight Hollywood. The sound and picture quality are absolutely amazing. This years festival will host highly revered films like Voy A Explotar, Cosas Insignificantes, and Otra Película de Huevos y un Pollo.

My favorite film of the festival has to be Voy A Explotar (I’m Gonna Explode) written and directed by Gerardo Naranjo. The film tells the story of two rebellious teens that meet by chance but are united by their social dispositions. Narrated by the films main protagonist Maru (Maria Deschamps), a solitary girl with constant run-ins with sexual harassment and a misunderstood identity at home, her life is changed when she meets Roman (Juan Pablo de Santiago). Roman, a violent fantasy escapist who is starved for attention from his politician father is expelled and shipped off to live with his stepmother. It is there Roman meets Maru and the adventure begins. The two are instantly bonded and their friendship turned romance leads them into a rebellion against their parents. The two plot disappear and end-up settling in the best of hideouts, Roman’s house rooftop. With a new life the two make a pact to never leave each other’s side. Things heat up when their cover is nearly blown and are forced to flee their rooftop paradise. With their worried parents hot on their tail Maru and Roman find that their escape is bigger than they are and that their actions will soon have consequences.

This is a great film by, in my opinion, the next big Mexican director. The direction has the meticulous execution of a seasoned artist. The story is well written and the characters are performed to perfection. Maria Dechamps’ first feature performance shows a promising future for the young actress. Provocative, thrilling, and engaging this a must see this film.

Also featured at the festival:

Cosas Insignificantes

Directed by: Andrea Martinez

Starring: Bárbara Mori

Produced by: Guillermo Del Toro

Audio Absinthe - Music » Hola Mexico Film Festival

Voy A Explotar (I’m Gonna Explode)