Martinez
Description
In this satirical take on workplace culture, human resources informs elderly employee Martinez (Francisco Reyes, A Fantastic Woman) that it is time for him to retire—but first he must train his replacement. To add to his troubles, his next-door neighbor passes away, bequeathing him her diary along with other personal items. A Chilean who has lived in Mexico for 40 years, Martinez befriends the young man taking his job, who inspires him to explore life outside himself. As he rummages through his neighbor’s things, Martinez examines his existence and begins to realize that perhaps the end of his career is a new beginning, leading to reinvigoration and joy.
Trailer
Biographies
Lorena Padilla is a writer, director, and producer who received her BA in Visual Arts from the University of Guadalajara and her MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. As a writer, she collaborated with Rodrigo Reyes on his film 499 (2020). She makes her directing debut with Martinez. In addition to being a filmmaker, she is a Professor of Practice in Film and Media Arts at Southern Methodist University.