Chile Selects ‘The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’ for Oscars

Chile has chosen the feature debut of Diego Céspedes, titled The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, as its submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. This film, which tells a poignant story of love and community, focuses on the experiences of those marginalized in society. Céspedes, who is only 30 years old, draws from personal encounters with discrimination and violence, making the narrative both intimate and universal.

The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, and has since been well received at various international festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, AFI Fest, and San Sebastián, where it was awarded the title of best Latin American film. The story revolves around Lidia, a 12-year-old girl portrayed by Tamara Cortés, who navigates life in a loving queer family in a small mining town set in the Chilean desert.

A Story of Connection in Challenging Times

As an unknown disease begins to spread, Lidia discovers that gay men in her community are wrongfully accused of transmitting it through their gaze. This prompts her to seek out the truth behind the accusations. Céspedes emphasizes that while the film explores queer themes, its core message transcends sexual orientation. “It’s not just a queer film,” he stated, “it is a universal film that talks about tenderness and family.”

The filmmaker’s vision is rooted in a desire for connection, especially in a world increasingly divided by prejudice and hatred. “I am very connected to and feel bad about what is happening in the world right now,” Céspedes remarked, referencing significant global issues including the crisis in Gaza and the rise of far-right ideologies. He believes that personal connections are essential in combating the pervasive negativity that often dominates social discourse.

Céspedes’ inspiration for The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo stems from his own childhood experiences in the suburbs of Santiago, Chile. He recalls the impact of the AIDS crisis on his community, where many of his mother’s friends suffered devastating losses. “When I was a kid, I always heard a lot of stuff about AIDS, because all the gay men died of AIDS,” he reflected. This backdrop provided a natural foundation for the film’s narrative.

Industry Impact and Future Aspirations

The film is produced by Quijote Films in Chile, alongside partners from France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium. Sales of the film are being handled by Charades, and it has already been acquired by arthouse streamer Mubi for multiple regions, including the U.K., Australia, and North America.

While promoting The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, Céspedes has experienced a strong emotional response from audiences. “We always hear someone crying during the movie,” he shared, noting the film’s ability to foster deep emotional connections. He aims to continue creating impactful stories, stating, “I want to do a second film, and I already have an idea.”

Céspedes’ commitment to storytelling and his understanding of the human experience resonate through his work. “I think that the movie is making people reflect, feel deep emotions, and connect with the rest of the community,” he concluded. As he embarks on this journey, the filmmaker remains dedicated to using cinema as a means of fostering compassion and understanding in a fragmented world.