Private Project

Chrysalis

Chrysalis is an LGBTQ+ short film that explores the beauty and complicity of a transformation process. David, a repressed and lonely young man, can only break free by using substances while he seeks to find a safe place where he can be. His depression has led to chaos, in his mind and at home. David will have to let go of parts of himself in order to evolve.

  • Anapaola Almada Torres
    Director
  • Anapaola Almada Torres
    Writer
  • Natalia Ortega Salvatori
    Producer
  • Franco Axel
    Photography
  • Pablo Tenorio
    Key Cast
    "David "
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Crisálida
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQ*, Queer, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 28, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    33,600 MXN
  • Country of Origin:
    Mexico
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 24mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Universidad de las Américas
Director Biography - Anapaola Almada Torres

Anapaola Almada (she/they) is a queer film director and screenwriter born and raised in Estado de Mexico, Mexico. Their work in film is focused on her interests with gender, corporeality, sexuality, and complex human emotion. Chrysalis is their first directed short film.

She has collaborated in other cinematographic projects such as: Cuando laten las Flores (2023), Tu Mirada Siempre Ignora tu Nariz (2023)

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Chrysalis is a story that resonates in my life and in my personal experiences. It is a short film that explores a process of transformation, in all its fluid and elusive beauty. David, is a character who I understand, sympathize with and reflect on myself. As I belong to the transgender umbrella, as a non-binary person.

It is important to have narratives that serve as mirrors, to reflect ourselves in the story or in the character and try to have compassion with ourselves or simply see that you are not alone. But it is also important to have narratives that serve as beacons, to shed light on current problems.
With this type of stories, little by little, we can raise awareness, normalize and sensitize audiences to the complexity and beauty that comes with the search of identity. Even if you are not part of the community, being exposed to a story like this can open your mind and be aware of the importance of creating safe spaces for all of us to inhabit the world, how we want to be seen and treated.