Mexican filmmaker Rodrigo Plá has ventured into children’s cinema with his latest feature “The Newcomers,” which has attracted international attention following its debut at the Locarno Kids Screenings. Germany-based distribution company Patra Spanou Film has secured worldwide sales rights to the film, marking the beginning of a professional relationship between the distributor and the director.
Set in Mexico’s Tabasco region, “The Newcomers” tells the story of three young protagonists who investigate environmental contamination affecting their village. The narrative centers on Mateo, who serves as both the main character and narrator, breaking the fourth wall throughout the film. When Tiana and her family arrive as refugees, the children discover that pollution has followed them, prompting an adventure to uncover the source of river poisoning alongside Tiana’s dog.
The film adapts Laura Santullo’s novel “They Came with the Wind” and represents Plá’s first project specifically designed for young audiences. Despite this new direction, the work maintains his established themes of social justice and critical awareness. Plá explained that the film tackles complex issues including forced displacement and environmental exploitation through an accessible, family-friendly lens that emphasizes friendship and adventure.
Distributed by Buenaventura Cine in collaboration with Mr. Miyagi Films, “The Newcomers” demonstrates Plá’s willingness to experiment with different genres and storytelling techniques. The director and his collaborators are currently developing three additional projects across musical, dystopian, and thriller categories.
Originally reported by Variety →
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