The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (La misteriosa mirada del flamenco) is a Chilean feature film written and directed by Diego Céspedes. Selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film took home the Un Certain Regard Award. This marks the director's first feature-length work, after gaining recognition through several acclaimed short films on the international festival circuit. The movie is set to hit French theaters on February 18, 2026.
Set in the early 1980s, the story unfolds in a remote desert mining town in Chile. Eleven-year-old Lidia grows up within a marginalized community that has found shelter in a local cabaret, on the outskirts of a city driven by mining industry. Raised by a vibrant and close-knit family, the girl witnesses a fragile world rooted in survival and mutual support.
When a mysterious, deadly illness begins to spread, a rumor quickly takes hold: the virus is transmitted through eye contact, especially when men who love men fall in love. Fear rapidly turns the community into a scapegoat, fueling suspicion and hostility. Amidst this climate of social and symbolic violence, Lidia becomes a central figure in the story — striving to understand what’s happening and to shield her loved ones from the escalating hostility.
Premiered in Un Certain Regard, the film was also vying for the prestigious Caméra d’Or. During the press conference unveiling the official selection, Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s general delegate, highlighted the unique journey of Diego Céspedes—who came through the Festival’s residencies, the Cinéfondation, and the San Sebastián Film Festival before earning this first official selection.
The film takes its place within a tradition of allegorical storytelling, using a specific historical backdrop to explore themes of fear, stigma, and rumor. Shot amidst the stark desert landscapes of Chile, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo adopts the visual language of a modern Western, where childhood serves as a lens through which to examine the harsh realities of the adult world.
With its minimalist directing style and symbolic approach, the film caters to viewers who appreciate international auteur cinema and politically charged storytelling. It offers a contemplation on the creation of collective myths and themes of marginalization, all conveyed through a narrative that is both accessible and compelling, highlighted by strong performances from Tamara Cortes, Matías Catalán, and Paula Dinamarca.
The Mysterious Gaze of the Pink Flamingo
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: February 18, 2026
Drama | Duration: 1h48
Directed by Diego Céspedes | Starring Tamara Cortes, Matías Catalán, Paula Dinamarca
Original title: La misteriosa mirada del flamenco
Country: Chile
With his debut feature awarded at Cannes, Diego Céspedes establishes himself as a rising voice in contemporary Chilean cinema, delivering a film that blends a political perspective, a coming-of-age story, and a bold, confident approach to filmmaking.
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