The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (2026)

There is a simple beauty to this story and how it is brought to the screen. The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo is told from the point of view of a young girl raised in a community of trans/queer sex workers in a remote part of Chile during the AIDS crisis. It explores very heavy issues through the perspective of youth and love. It is a beautiful film that finds joy in the creation of family. 

Chosen family stories are nothing new in queer worlds but they are also not exhaustive. New film maker Céspedes has crafted a new take on this trope that is inspiring and moving. It comes together with its beautiful cast who play a mix of complicated and honest feeling characters. Throughout we are transported to a time and place that evokes so much which has changed but remains relevant to who we are today. Céspedes has made something powerfully surprising in his first film. 

The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo

Starring: Tamara Cortés, Matías Catalán

Writer/Director: Diego Céspedes