Finlandia

(Finlandia)
Horacio Alcalá | Drama, Fiction

2021 | 97 minutes | Spain, Mexico

In Oaxaca, Finlandia explores the lives of Muxes, a Zapotec third-gender community, weaving themes of identity, resilience, and cultural authenticity.

Synopsis

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Oaxaca, Mexico, Finlandia immerses itself into the lives of the Muxes—a community embodying a third gender within Zapotec culture.

The film follows three Muxe friends navigating their complex realities, starting with Delirio, an elderly Muxe who has long served as a spiritual leader. Delirio’s premonitions and unshakable spirit anchor the community while reflecting on a lost love symbolized by postcards from Finland. Amaranta struggles for acceptance while facing rejection from their transphobic father.

Intersecting with their lives is Marta, a Spanish fashion designer on a mission to replicate traditional Zapotec designs for commercial purposes. As she befriends Amaranta, Marta grasps the deep significance of Muxe artistry, challenging her notions of appropriation and authenticity.

After a devastating earthquake shakes their world, the film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the beauty of self-expression amidst societal prejudice.

Reviews

“A film that vindicates the so-called third sex in Oaxaca, the muxes” – Alfonso Rivera, Cineuropa

"A sumptuous, multifaceted drama filled with life, love, and despair; a glorious explosion of creativity and cultural insight." – Chad Armstrong, The Queer Review

"A visual experience... with warm, arid tones contrasting the vibrant costumes that pay homage to the Muxes’ culture." – FilmAffinity

“This is a tale of memory, mysticism, and the master creativity of the Muxe.” – Chad Armstrong, The Queer Review

Citation

Coming soon.

Cataloging

A MARC record for this title is not available yet.

Keywords
Finlandia,Horacio Alcalá,Horacio Alcala,drama,España,Spain,Mexico,México,Oaxaca,Muxes,LGBTQ+,Trans,transexual,indigenous,indigenous peoples,first nations,Noé Hernández,Ángeles Cruz,Angeles Cruz,Cuauthli Jiménez,Andrea Guasch,Erick Israel Consuelo,Leonardo Alonso,Raquel Menor,Silvia Matos,gender,sexuality,gender roles,gender identity,sexual orientation,gender equality,gender pronouns,gender studies,gender spectrum,gender norms,gender roles,gender stereotypes,sexual selection,sexualization,sexual awakening,puberty,pubescence,culture,identity,identity politics,culture wars,left wing,right wing,intersectionality,identity groups,civilization,literacy,humanism,cancel culture,online culture,cultural revolution,cultural diffusion,culture shock,popular culture,pop culture,material culture,cultural capital,cultural assimilation ,indigenous peoples,indigenous people,indigenous,native,native people,native peoples,aboriginal people,aboriginal,aborigine,indigene,indigeneity,tribes,tribal,tribal people,tribal peoples,anthropologically,cultural anthropology,forensic anthropology,anthropologist,human nature,physical anthropology,ethnocentric,ethnography,functionalism,cultures,societies,human people,human society,functionalism,globalization,ideology,pragmatism,dogmatism,social change,society,sociology,anthropology,psychology,sociological,sociological perspectives,conflict theory,human conflicts,sociological thinking,conflict perspective,topics in sociology,sociology topics,sociology studies,social studies,people and cultures,human relations,human relationships,cultural studies,culture studies,family,kin,fellowship,household,immediate family,extended family,multigenerational family,multigenerational household,kinfolk,family tree,genealogy,nuclear family,modern family,family tree,body image,appearance,body dissatisfaction,eating disorders,body acceptance,acceptance,body dysmorphic disorder,body dysmorphia,negative body image,distorted body image,confidence,self-esteem,self acceptance,fat acceptance,body acceptance,positive body image,negative body image,weight,fat,overweight,obesity,latin american studies,caribbean american studies,island studies,latin american culture,latin american history,latin american politics, caribbean american culture,caribbean american history,caribbean american politics,latin american languages,latin american and caribbean studies,hispanic american studies,hispanic people,hispanic culture,hispanic politics; "Finlandia"; Pragda Films
Clips
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Festivals

Seattle International Film Festival - Best Director; Lovers Italy - Gio Stajano Award; Córdoba Film Week - Audience Award; Connecticut Out Film - Best Film; Toulouse Des-images-aux-mots - Audience Award; Outshine Fort Lauderdade - Jury Award; Campeche Film Festival -Best Film; Tallgrass Film Festival - Best Film

DIRECTOR: Horacio Alcalá

NATIONALITY: Spain, Mexico

YEAR: 2021

GENRE: Drama, Fiction

LANGUAGE: Spanish

COLOR / B&W: Color

GRADE LEVEL: High School, College, Adult

SUBTITLE/CC: AVAILABLE

AUDIO DESCRIPTION: NOT AVAILABLE

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