Upcoming Movies: Niñxs (2025) by Kani Lapuerta

About movie: https://www.sparrowsonrooftops.de/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/476079/

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28727524/

Detailed Summary

"Niñxs" follows the life of Karla, a 15-year-old trans girl living in the small, rural town of Tepoztlán in Mexico. Set against the backdrop of the sacred Tepozteco hill, the film documents Karla's personal revolution as she navigates the ups and downs of her adolescence within a binary and often prejudiced society that attempts to confine her to conventional gender identities. The film offers a cathartic journey through eight years of Karla's life as she chooses to fight against ignorance and impose her own rules. Despite growing up in a deeply conservative village chosen as a refuge by many hippies living an alternative life, Karla dreams with her friends about a future filled with sequins, activism, and freedom. Over time, Karla's body becomes political, transforming into a manifesto for a kind of dazzlingly proud dissidence. Her transformation is not just physical but primarily an act of rebellion against gender binarism and heterosexuality as the only accepted model for desire. Karla finds support within the LGBTIQ+ community, an alliance of individuals fighting for long-denied freedom.

Plot Summary

"Niñxs" documents the adolescence of Karla, a trans girl in rural Mexico, as she navigates societal pressures and her own self-discovery over eight years, finding strength and support within her community.

Director's Vision

Kani Lapuerta, a documentary maker, social educator, and trans-feminist activist, aimed to create a film that offers a respectful and affectionate close-up observation of a trans adolescent's everyday life as she challenges societal norms and forges her own path. Through an incisive and poetic approach, Lapuerta uses filmmaking as an act of rebellion against a patriarchal society that often thinks in binary terms. The director's vision is to paint a portrait of trans identity that is not solely defined by violence and rejection, but also by joy and acceptance within communities that choose to live by their own rules.

Themes

• Transgender Identity and Adolescence: The film explores the complexities of trans identity during the pivotal years of adolescence.

• Societal Prejudice and Discrimination: Karla faces the challenges of living in a binary and prejudiced society.

• Community and Support: The importance of the LGBTIQ+ community in providing support and acceptance for Karla is a central theme.

• Self-Discovery and Rebellion: Karla's journey is marked by her self-exploration and her rebellion against conventional gender identities.

• Resilience and Courage: The film highlights Karla's courage and resilience in the face of societal pressures.

• Freedom and Self-Expression: Karla dreams of a future paved with freedom and the ability to express her true self.

Key Success Factors

The film has been highlighted as a highly enjoyable and brilliant collective film that paints a courageous and affectionate portrait of a trans adolescence spent in a rural environment. The incisive and poetic approach of the director, focusing on joy and acceptance within supportive communities alongside the undeniable realities of violence and rejection, is a key factor.

Summary Short

"Niñxs" is a documentary that follows Karla, a trans girl in rural Mexico, through her adolescence as she confronts societal norms, celebrates self-discovery, and finds strength in her community over eight transformative years.

Awards and Nominations

The film was selected for the Official Selection at the Visions du Réel Festival in 2025. It also received a grant from the Frameline Completion Fund in 2025, supporting films centering on LGBTQ+ people and their communities.

Critics Reception

Early reception from Visions du Réel indicates that "Niñxs" is a highly enjoyable and brilliant collective film that paints a courageous and affectionate portrait of a trans adolescence spent in a rural environment.

Reviews

Cineuropa describes "Niñxs" as a highly enjoyable and brilliant collective film that paints a courageous and affectionate portrait of a trans adolescence spent in a rural environment. It highlights the director's incisive and poetic approach, making filmmaking an act of rebellion against a patriarchal binary society. The film showcases joy and acceptance within supportive communities alongside the undeniable realities of violence and rejection.

Production

"Niñxs" is a documentary directed and written by Kani Lapuerta, produced by La Sandía Digital Produccion Audiovisual S.A de C.V (Mexico) in co-production with MartFilms (Mexico) and Sparrows on Rooftops (Germany).1 The film has a runtime of 86 minutes.

Production Companies

• La Sandía Digital Produccion Audiovisual S.A de C.V (Mexico)

• MartFilms (Mexico)

• Sparrows on Rooftops (Germany)

Distribution Companies

Information about distribution companies is not readily available. The film has premiered at Visions du Réel Festival and received support from Frameline, suggesting it will likely be distributed through film festivals and potentially streaming platforms focusing on documentaries and LGBTQ+ content. It is also listed on MUBI.

Theatrical Release

The film premiered at the Visions du Réel Festival in April 2025. Further theatrical release information is not yet available.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Offers a Positive and Empowering Portrayal of a Trans Youth: The film focuses on joy, acceptance, and resilience in addition to the challenges faced by trans individuals.

• Provides Insight into the Experience of a Trans Teen in a Rural Environment: This specific perspective offers a unique look at identity and community.

• Supports LGBTQ+ Storytelling: The film highlights important stories from the trans community.

Why to Watch Movie

• To Witness a Courageous and Affectionate Portrait of Trans Adolescence: The film promises to be a moving and impactful viewing experience.

• To Gain a Deeper Understanding of Transgender Identity: The film offers an intimate look into Karla's life and journey.

• To Support Independent and Socially Relevant Filmmaking: Kani Lapuerta's work is highlighted as both poetic and rebellious.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

• Documentaries Focusing on Social Issues and Youth: The film aligns with a trend of documentaries that explore important social issues through the lens of young people and their experiences.

• LGBTQ+ Focused Documentaries: There is an increasing number of documentaries that center the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

What Big Social Trend is Following

• Increased Visibility and Acceptance of Transgender Individuals: The film contributes to the growing visibility and understanding of transgender experiences, particularly among youth.

• Youth Activism and Empowerment: Karla's journey of self-expression and challenging societal norms reflects broader trends of youth activism and the empowerment of marginalized voices.

Final Verdict

"Niñxs" appears to be a highly enjoyable and important documentary that offers a courageous and affectionate portrayal of a trans girl's adolescence in rural Mexico. Kani Lapuerta's sensitive and poetic approach promises a film that is both moving and thought-provoking, offering a vital perspective on trans identity, community, and resilience.

Recommendations for Film Makers

• Center Marginalized Voices with Respect and Affection: Lapuerta's approach highlights the importance of respectful and empathetic storytelling when documenting the lives of marginalized individuals.

• Use Film as a Tool for Social Commentary and Change: The director's intention to make filmmaking an act of rebellion against societal norms underscores the potential of cinema for social impact.

• Highlight Joy and Resilience Alongside Challenges: The film's focus on joy and acceptance provides a more nuanced and empowering portrayal.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support and Promote LGBTQ+ Documentary Filmmaking: Films that center LGBTQ+ stories are crucial for representation and fostering understanding.

• Provide Platforms for International and Independent Documentaries: Supporting films from diverse regions and independent filmmakers enriches the cinematic landscape.

• Recognize the Importance of Stories About Youth and Social Issues: Films that engage with the experiences of young people and address relevant social issues can have a significant impact on audiences.