At the 83rd Venice Film Festival, the world premiere of a film by Mexican director Gabriel Gutiérrez Morales, “Still, Tijuana” (Tijuana, Todavía / Still, Tijuana). The lead role in the independent drama was played by Russian actor Pyotr Filimonov. The film tells the story of a 22-year-old queer migrant from St. Petersburg who fled the war in Ukraine and the risk of mobilization.
What This Film Is About
The film's protagonist is 22-year-old Maxim (Pyotr Filimonov), who is staying at a shelter for LGBTQ+ migrants in the Mexican border city of Tijuana while awaiting a decision on his application for asylum in the United States. Through a dating app, he meets Chava (Humberto Busto), a 47-year-old local who has spent his life immersed in the traditional machismo culture of northern Mexico.
As their relationship moves from online to real life, the characters confront personal trauma, a language barrier, and a sense of isolation at the border, but find an emotional connection, support, and tenderness in each other. Film critics noted that the film moves away from the stereotypical portrayal of Tijuana as a purely crime-ridden place, shifting the focus to human intimacy and overcoming trauma.
Where the Idea Came From
Director Gabriel Gutierrez Morales said the story was inspired by his close friend Anatoly Fyodorov from St. Petersburg, who left Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Gabriel Gutierrez Morales: “I met Anatoly in Tijuana in 2018. Later, I learned that he was leaving Russia and began hearing about new arrivals seeking asylum in the United States. I was particularly interested in the subject of gay migrants. I was once an immigrant in the United States myself, and in many ways I saw parallels with my own life.”.
How the Film Was Received in Venice
According to the film crew, audiences and critics at the Venice Film Festival greeted the film with lengthy ovations and warm reviews.
Pyotr Filimonov: “In addition to the lengthy ovations, we received a great deal of positive feedback. We did not expect the film to make such an impression. It was incredibly important for us to have this platform in Venice to talk about everything happening in Russia, about people leaving the country, and about the persecution of the queer community.”.
Where It Will Be Available to Watch
For obvious reasons, the film cannot be shown in Russian cinemas. The project team is hoping for independent and streaming distribution in Europe and the United States, with a commercial release in Mexico as its first goal.
Pyotr Filimonov: “Naturally, this film cannot change the horror unfolding in Russia. But with this film, we want to support those who are being persecuted and forced to leave—so that Russian-speaking queer people can feel that support and know that they are being talked about and have not been forgotten.”.
A news broadcast on the TV channel “TV Rain”. At the end of the broadcast (starting at [01:03:58]), the guests — actor Pyotr Filimonov and director Gabriel Gutiérrez Morales (Gabriel Gutiérrez Morales) — present the film “Still, Tijuana” (Tijuana, Todavía / Still, Tijuana):
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