This is not Berlin

About

As Mexico anticipates the 1986 World Cup, 17-year-old Carlos is less interested in soccer and more interested in listening to his record collection and admiring Rita, the older sister of his best friend, Gera. Carlos and Gera’s suburban, juvenile monotony is interrupted when Rita’s goth band introduces them to an underground nightclub—the Azteca. The teens are instantly seduced by the Azteca’s regulars and their exhilarating world of performance art, sexual fluidity, and prescription drugs. Carlos and Gera’s friendship is tested as the two explore new identities and face the consequences of adult decisions.

Infused with a post-punk soundtrack and brimming with enchanting performances from a promising young cast, This is not Berlin delivers an energetic portrait of a clandestine sanctuary propelled by youth fleeing the societal repression of their time. A unique take on adolescent insecurities, awakenings, and maturing, writer/director Hari Sama elevates the classic coming-of-age story in fresh and unexpected ways.

YEAR 2019

CATEGORY World Cinema Dramatic Competition

COUNTRY Mexico

RUN TIME 109 min

LANGUAGE Spanish

SUBTITLES Yes with English subtitles

COMPANY Latido Films

EMAIL oalonso@latidofilms.com

PHONE +34 675526497

Credits

Director
Screenwriters
Producers
Supervising Producer
Director Of Photography
Editors
Sound Design
Music Supervisors
Art Director
Costume Designer
Hair/Makeup Designer
Post Producers
Actor

Artist Bio

Hari Sama

Hari Sama studied directing at Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica and musical composition at CIEM in Mexico City. With his four feature films, he has participated in numerous film festivals and won several awards. The Dream of Lu (2011) won a Golden Goblet for best actress at the Shanghai International Film Festival and an Ariel Award. Awakening Dust (2013) won the Kukulkán Award for best picture at the Riviera Maya Film Festival.