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Creatures of Light film image; woman in hammock looks at person on horse in distance

Creatures of Light

Criaturas de la Luz

VIFF Short Forum

World Premiere

Through her connection with the natural world, Valeria brings comfort and lightness to her family.

 

Supported by

    

Community Partner

Director
Cast

Valeria del Rocío chel Méndez, Christopher “Tito” del Rocío chel Méndez, Lizbeth del Rocío chel Méndez, Mari Pech Matos

Credits
Country of Origin

Mexico

Year

2024

Language

In Spanish with English subtitles

Film Contact
Links
18+
12 min
Documentary Experimental & Avant Garde Family Relations Shorts Women Directors

Credits & Director

Producer

Estephania Bonnett

Screenwriter

Sylvie Weber

Cinematography

Sylvie Weber

Editor

Sylvie Weber, Nicola Powell

Sylvie Weber headshot; Creatures of Light director

Sylvie Weber

Sylvie’s films are steeped in poetic realism, delicately capturing the emotional tapestry of humanity’s virtues and weaknesses. Of German-Dominican descent, questions of belonging and a desire to reimagine freedom, resilience, and the moral issues of our time have propelled her cinematic exploration.

 

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