Nepantla

Filmmaker Juan Pablo González returns to his hometown in rural Jalisco, Mexico, to confront the complexities of his family's past and the traditional expectations placed upon him. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, he navigates his identity as a gay Mexican man within a conservative Catholic community. The film explores themes of tradition, sexuality, and the search for belonging across generations.

Nepantla received critical acclaim for its poignant exploration of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Reviewers lauded director Juan Pablo González's sensitive and intimate approach to documenting his personal history within the broader context of Mexican immigrant experiences and LGBTQ+ narratives. The film was praised for its emotional resonance and thoughtful portrayal of generational differences and reconciliation.

• Praised for its deeply personal and moving exploration of identity and family.

• Acclaimed for its sensitive direction and intimate filmmaking style.

• Recognized for its nuanced portrayal of cultural and generational complexities.

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World Premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Louis Black Audience Award for Documentary Feature. Nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

The title 'Nepantla' is a Nahuatl word meaning 'in the middle,' often used to describe a transitional or in-between space, reflecting the filmmaker's own liminal identity.