This Is Not Berlin

In 1980s Mexico City, Carlos, a shy teenager, is drawn into the vibrant and rebellious nightlife of the underground punk scene. As he navigates this world of music, art, and sexual exploration, he begins to question his identity and his place in society. He falls for the enigmatic transvestite star of the club, creating a complex web of relationships and self-discovery.

This Is Not Berlin was met with generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its vibrant portrayal of a specific subculture and its exploration of identity and sexuality, though some found its narrative occasionally uneven.

• Praised for its energetic depiction of Mexico City's 1980s punk and new wave scene.
• Applauded for its honest exploration of adolescent identity, sexual awakening, and bohemian subcultures.
• Some critics noted the film's ambitious themes sometimes outweighed its narrative cohesion.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's unique soundtrack and visual style, as well as its poignant portrayal of finding oneself amidst a counter-culture movement. Many appreciated its raw and authentic depiction of youth and rebellion in Mexico City.

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019, and was selected as the Mexican entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. It also received multiple nominations at the Ariel Awards (Mexico's equivalent of the Oscars).

Director Hari Sama was inspired to make the film by his own experiences in Mexico City's counter-culture scene during the 1980s.