Film archive, 2025

The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo

La misteriosa mirada del flamenco

Director Diego CÉSPEDES

1Festival entries

★Avg. rating

In a desolate mining town in 1980s Chile, a small bar—the only refuge for local laborers—hosts performances by gay and transgender artists. One day, a mysterious disease begins to spread, said to be transmitted through a mere glance. Fear and hatred quickly descend upon the performers, who become scapegoats. This barren setting symbolizes Chile under dictatorship, a time marked by repression and a lack of information and prevention surrounding AIDS. Director Diego Céspedes skillfully blends genres—social and political tragedy, musical, western, and fairytale—to create a truly unique work. At the heart of the story is 11-year-old Lidia, who is growing up within a warm queer family. She fills her imaginary world with characters named after animals like ‘Boa,’ ‘Lioness,’ and ‘Piranha,’ all centered around Flamingo—her beautiful, transgender cabaret artist mother. These characters, all transgender cabaret performers, are whimsical, spirited, and deeply moving. Reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar’s films, this stunning debut feature illustrates how love and familial bonds can transcend gender, flowing freely and defiantly.