Mexican actress and producer Salma Hayek Pinault has taken on a new role as an executive producer for Tótem, the highly anticipated follow-up film by writer-director Lila Avilés. After the success of Avilés’ breakthrough film The Chambermaid, which was shortlisted as Mexico’s entry for the Best International Feature Oscar, Tótem is set to captivate audiences with its compelling story and unique perspective. Ventanarosa Productions, co-founded by Hayek Pinault, along with José Tamez and Siobhan Flynn, is partnering with Avilés to bring this poignant film to life.
Tótem tells the story of 7-year-old Sol, portrayed by Naíma Sentíes, as she navigates the dynamics of her fractured family and a milestone event – her father’s birthday party. Through Sol’s eyes, the audience becomes immersed in a world of both anticipation and apprehension. As the narrative unfolds, the fragile bonds between family members are exposed, revealing an uncertain future. Avilés’ masterful storytelling and direction bring a poetic lens to the harsh realities of life, specifically highlighting the inherent loneliness that can accompany childhood.
After its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, where it received the Ecumenical Jury Prize, Tótem has garnered critical acclaim and recognition. It was named one of the Top 5 International Films of the Year by the National Board of Review and received nominations for Best International Feature at the Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards. The film has also been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Telluride, New Directors/New Films, and the BFI London Film Festival. This international recognition solidifies Tótem as a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic achievement.
Salma Hayek Pinault’s involvement as an executive producer is a testament to her commitment to elevating Latino stories and voices. Ventanarosa Productions, established by Hayek Pinault in 1998, has been at the forefront of championing these narratives in both the United States and Mexico. Their impressive portfolio includes notable projects like Frida, which won an Academy Award, The Maldonado Miracle, which earned Hayek Pinault an Emmy for Directing, the beloved series Ugly Betty, and the Annie Award-nominated animated feature The Prophet. Ventanarosa’s recent productions, including the Netflix series Monarca and the TIFF-premiering film El sabor de la Navidad, showcase their continued dedication to creating compelling and diverse content.
Hayek Pinault describes Tótem as a poignant exploration of the loneliness often experienced in childhood, despite the presence of parental love. She emphasizes the film’s message of unity, joy, humor, friendship, and community as integral elements in navigating the aftermath of pain. Tótem serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, celebration, and the collective experience of embracing life’s challenges.
Avilés, Graullera, and Riousse, the filmmakers behind Tótem, express their gratitude for Salma Hayek Pinault and Ventanarosa’s support. They admire Hayek Pinault’s impact and influence as a versatile artist in both Mexico and the international film industry. The addition of Hayek Pinault and Ventanarosa Productions to the Tótem family symbolizes a collective vision to amplify authentic storytelling and further contribute to the thriving Mexican cinema landscape.
Salma Hayek Pinault’s involvement in Tótem is just one of her many endeavors in the entertainment industry. She continues to showcase her acting prowess, recently appearing in the film Magic Mike’s Last Dance and the haunting episode “Joan Is Awful” of Netflix’s Black Mirror. Hayek Pinault’s forthcoming project, Without Blood, directed by Angelina Jolie, is highly anticipated.
As Mexican cinema continues to flourish, the collaboration between Salma Hayek Pinault, Lila Avilés, and Ventanarosa Productions represents a new era of storytelling. By shedding light on authentic narratives and showcasing the diverse talent within the industry, Tótem and its team are poised to make their mark on the international film landscape. Through their collective vision, they embrace the power of unity, celebration, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.