Identifying Features
Directed by Fernanda Valadez
Identifying Features
David Illescas
Juan Jesús Varela
Ana Laura Rodríguez
Laura Elena Ibarra
Xicoténcatl Ulloa
Writers Fernanda Valadez and Astrid Rondero
Middle-aged Magdalena (Mercedes Hernandez) has lost contact with her son after he took off with a friend from their town of Guanajuato to cross the border into the U.S., hopeful to find work. Desperate to find out what happened to him—and to know whether or not he’s even alive—she embarks on an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous journey to discover the truth. At the same time, a young man named Miguel (David Illescas) has returned to Mexico after being deported from the U.S., and eventually his path converges with Magdalena’s. From this simple but urgent premise, director Fernanda Valadez has crafted a lyrical, suspenseful slow burn, equally constructed of moments of beauty and horror, and which leads to a startling, shattering conclusion. Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Audience and Screenplay Awards at the Sundance Film Festival. – New Directors/New Films
Reviews
“Combines stunning cinematography, evocative sound design and hints of magical realism to create a visionary work of devastating power."
“On every level, this is impressively accomplished cinema.”
“Speaks volumes of the boundaries of the human heart and of the undeniable qualities of this director, who should be watched with interest.”
“A confident, accomplished and distinctive feature directorial debut.”
Awards
Winner: Audience Award, World Dramatic – Sundance Film Festival
Winner: Best Screenplay, World Dramatic – Sundance Film Festival
| Venue | City | State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Directors/New Films | New York | NY | 1585713600April 1 - April 2, 2020 |
| Sundance Film Festival | Park City | UT | 1579755600January 23 - February 2, 2020 |
RT' @akhavandesiree': I feel like we’re all stuck in a Yorgos Lanthimos film
RT' @RachelMinhee': PSA PSA PSA IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS YOU CAN SEE ONE OF MY TOP FIVE FAVORITE KOREAN FILMS EVER (maybe number one?) - mark you…
RT' @r_emmet': August 25 will be a quality release day for' @KinoLorber'...' https://t.co/TdIirUlQDl'
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death this past weekend of the artist Christo. We had the honor of working…' https://t.co/SJG7psw4F3'
"Kino Blu-ray allows you to see Young Ahmed if you couldn't make Cannes last year or missed a film festival run. Th…' https://t.co/XVMFzUZiIj'
"Making its debut on Blu-ray, William Castle’s film is a genuinely amusing jet-black comedy of (ill) manners disgui…' https://t.co/yD36If97lz'
"★★★★ If this film were a person, I would risk my life to save it." –' @mattzollerseitz' //' @ebertvoices' Abel Ferra…' https://t.co/AKCxTpujlx'
RT' @ebertvoices': 4 stars for Abel Ferrara's TOMMASO, a film with lessons to teach' https://t.co/UIKZ7YGgTn' via' @mattzollerseitz'' https://t.co…'
RT' @mattzollerseitz': “If this film were a person, I would risk my life to save it.” I hope you will read this review of a film that means e…
RT' @mattzollerseitz': “As a writer-director, Abel Ferrara does what we see Tommaso do in a fantasy: he tears his own heart from his chest an…
General Inquiries
333 W. 39th St., Ste. 503
New York, NY 10018
Tel. (800) 562-3330
Fax. (212) 714-0871
Press & Media
For publicity assistance and press inquiries please contact us by emailing dninh@kinolorber.com or calling 212-629-6880.
Educational
Please visit our educational site at www.KinoLorberEDU.com
For assistance with educational orders, please contact us at:
Phone:212-629-6880
Fax: 212-714-0871
Email: edu@kinolorber.com
