In the twilight years of the 1980s, Mexico served as the backdrop for an poignant tale of resilience. An eight-year-old Roberta witnessed her family of seven formidable women battling relentless debt, a struggle that would profoundly transform her perception of herself and those around her. This heart-wrenching narrative forms the cornerstone of "Vanilla" (Vainilla), the feature directorial bow of the talented writer-director Mayra Hermosillo, an actress whose face may be familiar from Netflix's "Narcos: Mexico" or Amat Escalante's "Lost in the Night."
Making its world premiere on Wednesday, September 3, as part of the Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days) sidebar at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, "Vanilla" boasts an ensemble cast comprising Aurora Dávila, María Castellá, Natalia Plascencia, Paloma Petra, Rosy Rojas, Fernanda Baca, and Lola Ochoa. The cinematography is expertly crafted by Jessica Villamil, with editing duties entrusted to Sonia Sánchez Carrasco. The film is produced by Stacy Perskie (of "Bardo" and "Spectre" fame), Karla Luna Cantú, Andrea Porras Madero, and Paloma Petra, with Bendita Film Sales handling international sales.
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, "Vanilla" is set against the backdrop of a non-conformist, all-female, multigenerational household. It delves into "the arduous journey of breaking free from the constraints imposed by inherited societal expectations on women," according to a poignant description of the film. As such, it emerges as "a deeply poignant exploration of identity, family bonds, and the essence of womanhood."
Hermosillo mined her personal and professional experiences to craft "Vanilla." "I've been fortunate enough to learn from filmmakers whose work inspired me to discover my unique voice as a writer and director," shares Hermosillo. "This journey culminated in 'Vanilla,' a story deeply rooted in my childhood in northern Mexico. I grew up in a non-conformist home, which felt normal to me but was viewed askance by the conservative community around us."
She continues, "The film chronicles the life of Roberta, a young girl molded by this unique environment, who believes she holds the key to resolving her family's woes. It's a tale of premature growth, the intricate dance of shame and love, and how identity is forged when one lives outside the conventional norm."
Hermosillo concludes, "Rather than lambasting tradition, 'Vanilla' poses questions about belonging and how we judge lives that diverge from our own. Filming this movie in my hometown is my homage to my origins, while simultaneously paving the way for other narratives that delve into family dynamics, gender roles, and resilience in corners often overlooked by cinema."
The exclusive trailer for "Vanilla," presented below by The Hollywood Reporter, offers a glimpse into the film's diverse tapestry, capturing financial struggles, a beach holiday contest, smiles, dance, sun-kissed shores, and icy treats—all interwoven to create a vivid tapestry of human experience.
