The largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico, Hola México Film Festival presented by Toyota, announced Radical as the 2023 winner of this year’s “Audience Award“, and La Bruja by writer/director Manuel Villareal as the winner of Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today “Audience Award” presented by Fidelity.
Director Christopher Zalla, along with producers Ben Odell and Eugenio Derbez received the most audience votes for the film “Radical.” Eugenio Derbez stars in this uplifting story as Sergio Juarez, a dedicated elementary school teacher who takes a job in a small border town where violence has become normalized. With his whimsical teaching methods and a genuine interest in his students’ well-being, he earns the kids’ trust. The singular educator encourages them not only to think outside the box, but to believe that they can achieve their dreams no matter how far-fetched they may seem. Prepare to be inspired by this unforgettable story based on true events. Winner of the “Festival Favorite” award at the Sundance Film Festival 2023.
After receiving the most audience votes, “La Bruja” by writer/director Manuel Villareal took home the festival’s Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today award for best short entry. On the night of his eighth birthday, Pablito mourns the loss of his Mother. But when his Abuela tells him a fairytale about the mystical Bruja del Mar, he finds unexpected parallels between his own life and her story. Amidst the tale immigration agents raid the neighborhood, endangering Pablito and Abuela. With themes of resilience and love, “La Bruja” highlights the transformative power of storytelling, reminding us that hope can exist even in the darkest moments.
Hola México Film Festival presented by Toyota featured 20+ full-length films, and 20 short films from its filmmaker-focused program Tomorrows Filmmakers Today. Held in Los Angeles, the annual HMFF has become a staple in the City of Angels, claiming the title of the largest Mexican cinema festival organized outside of Mexico.