10 · 19 · 26

Gael García premiered his third feature film as director at the 24th Morelia International Film Festival: MAN OVERBOARD!

Alan Rodríguez

Gael García Bernal premiered his third feature film as director, Hombre al agua [Man Overboard!], at the 24th edition of the Morelia International Film Festival. The Mexican actor was accompanied by the producers Fernanda de la Peza and Santiago García.

In a similar way, Gael García highlighted and thanked the work of the film’s lead actress, Anna Díaz, who is also presenting the film Ceniza en la boca [Ashes] at the FICM, directed by Diego Luna.

During the screening of the film, Gael García took a moment to recall his Michoacán roots, since his father is originally from Huetamo. “I’d love to say this with an uchepo in my hand,” he stated.

Hombre al agua [Man Overboard!] was shot in Cuba, Yucatán, and Mexico City, and includes a strong Brazilian influence that Gael has often emphasized.
Additionally, the actor spoke about the political context in which the film is being presented and emphasized the importance of keeping the conversation about the situation in Cuba alive. “I hope people open themselves to the possibility of appreciating these places we rarely talk about in Latin America. We no longer talk about Cuba. It used to be a major point of reference, and now we remain silent about what’s happening.”

For her part, moved by the sight of a full house, Fernanda de la Peza addressed the audience about the vital need to embrace Mexican cinema in a time when we’re surrounded by endless content.

“We expect these films—so difficult to make nowadays—to be seen and cherished by audiences. I do believe in this kind of filmmaking. I’m a true lover of cinema, and I’m deeply proud to be part of this film and this journey. I truly believe we made something invaluable, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we do.”

Hombre al agua [Man Overboard!], co-written with Mariano Pensotti, tells us the story of Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard who saves a Mexican businessman named Abel from drowning. Out of gratitude, Abel takes Camilo to Mexico. There, Camilo marries Juana—Abel’s daughter—and they have a son. However, Camilo realizes that his new life is part of a Machiavellian plan of manipulation and control orchestrated by Abel.