Lila Avilés's 'Cábula' Joins the Venice Gap-Financing Market — A Comedy of Resistance

Behind the Lens: Lila Avilés's New Vision

After capturing hearts and minds with her Berlin Golden Bear-winning film Totém, Mexican director Lila Avilés has wrapped production on her next feature, Cábula. The film, set in the fictional town of Mexicalpan, follows Toña, a compassionate teacher whose dedication to her students leads to an unexpected journey into the heart of cultural exploitation. And as we all know, when your story is about compassion and education, you're not just making art—you're making a statement.

"It's that persistence of stories that…are not in the mind, but in the heart."

Avilés' third feature film is a continuation of her artistic journey, one that she describes as a deeply personal and emotional continuum. This time around, she brings a comedic edge to her narrative—using humor not just for entertainment, but as a weapon against a dehumanizing world. It's a bold move, especially in the current climate where many filmmakers are turning inward or avoiding political commentary altogether.

Setting the Stage: A Comedy of Resistance

The premise of Cábula is both simple and profound. Toña, our protagonist, and her students are invited to represent their community in the capital—only to be met with a group of elites who want to exploit their customs for profit. But instead of falling into despair, Toña and her class turn the tables using a mix of humor, wit, and sheer determination.

What's particularly compelling is how Avilés frames this struggle not as a battle of good versus evil, but as a reflection of the very real challenges faced by educators in Mexico—where minimal budgets and underpaid teachers become unsung heroes. It's an ode to education, yes, but also a scathing critique of systems that would rather commodify culture than respect it.

Cast and Crew: A Star-Studded Ensemble

The film stars Teresita Sánchez, a veteran Mexican actress who has graced both The Chambermaid and Totém. Avilés refers to Sánchez as her "muse," likening her to Giulietta Messina, Federico Fellini's wife. This isn't just a metaphor—it's a tribute to the transformative power of collaboration in cinema.

Sánchez plays Toña with such warmth and authenticity that it's impossible not to root for her. Her character is a quiet force of nature—a woman who sees, hears, and feels everything around her. As Avilés puts it: "She's a woman that hears, she's a woman that sees, but most of all, she's a woman that feels."

Co-produced by Nicolás Celis (one of the producers of Roma) and featuring support from Elastica Films, Cábula is being presented at the Venice Gap-Financing Market. This platform is crucial for films like this—one that seeks to challenge conventions and push boundaries.

The Director's Vision: Art as Activism

Avilés has always been a voice for the marginalized, but now she's using comedy as her primary tool. In a director's statement provided to Variety, she explains how Cábula "uses comedy as resistance against a cruel, dehumanizing world… [and] explores humor as an escape valve and a collective mirror to question power, rebuilding the social fabric through vulnerability, tenderness and irreverence."

This isn't just about laughs—it's about reimagining what cinema can be. And in a time when so many films are trying to fit into predetermined molds, Avilés is carving out her own path. She doesn't want to tell stories that make people comfortable; she wants to make them feel something real.

A New Wave of Mexican Cinema

Avilés stands at the forefront of a new wave of female directors reshaping Mexican cinema. As a former actress who transitioned into filmmaking, she brings a unique perspective that's both intimate and expansive. Her work speaks to a generation of filmmakers who are not afraid to be vulnerable or bold.

Nicolás Celis, one of her producers, calls her a "visionary," and it's easy to see why. In an industry that often marginalizes voices like hers, Avilés continues to push boundaries—bringing fresh energy to narratives that need them the most.

Why This Matters: Cultural Impact

Cábula isn't just another film—it's a cultural moment. It challenges us to think about education, identity, and the role of art in society. When you have a story that combines humor with heart, it becomes impossible to ignore.

As we gear up for the Venice Gap-Financing Market, I'm excited to see how this film will be received. This is a project that deserves to be seen, heard, and felt—not just as entertainment, but as a vital part of our cultural conversation.

The Future of Lila Avilés

Avilés' career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. From her debut with The Chambermaid at the Toronto Film Festival in 2018 to her Oscar nomination for Totém, she's built a reputation as one of Mexico's most promising voices in cinema.

And now, with Cábula, she's setting her sights even higher. This film feels like a natural evolution—one that doesn't just build on what came before but expands upon it. It's a reminder that storytelling isn't just about the plot or the characters—it's about how we choose to tell our stories.

So here's to Lila Avilés and her latest triumph: a film that makes us laugh, cry, and reflect all at once. Cábula is more than just a movie—it's an experience that will linger long after the credits roll.