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

Chile has selected the film The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo as its entry for the 2026 Academy Awards. Directed by Diego Céspedes, a 30-year-old filmmaker, this feature debut presents a modern family narrative that blends themes of love, discrimination, and community through a queer lens. The film’s inspiration stems from Céspedes’ own experiences with fear and violence, making it a poignant reflection on societal issues.

Following its world premiere in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has garnered attention on the festival circuit, including notable appearances at the Toronto International Film Festival, AFI Fest, and San Sebastián, where it won the award for best Latin American film. The cast includes Tamara Cortés as Lidia, Matías Catalán as the titular Flamingo, and Paula Dinamarca.

At the heart of the story is Lidia, a 12-year-old girl raised in a nurturing queer family in a small mining town in the Chilean desert. As an unknown disease begins to spread, tensions rise, leading to the scapegoating of gay men as the source of the illness. Lidia embarks on a quest for truth, navigating the complexities of her community and her identity.

Céspedes articulates his vision for the film, stating, “It’s not just a queer film. It is a universal film that talks about tenderness and family.” He emphasizes the importance of connection in a world rife with division. “When you connect with people, you realize that you are not the only human being alive,” he added.

The filmmaker draws from his own childhood experiences in the suburbs of Santiago, where his family operated a hair salon staffed by gay hairdressers. He recalls the pervasive fear of AIDS in his youth, shaped by the loss of friends and family to the crisis. “It was very natural to do this film,” he reflected, as the narrative intertwines personal history with broader societal concerns.

Produced by Quijote Films in Chile, along with international partners including Les Valseurs in France and Weydemann Bros. in Germany, the film has attracted significant interest. The arthouse streaming service Mubi has acquired distribution rights for several regions, including the UK, Australia, and North America.

Céspedes remains passionate about continuing to tell stories that resonate with audiences. “I want to do a second film, and I already have an idea, but I just need to put it all together,” he expressed. “I’m really motivated, and I don’t want to stop.”

As he travels with The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, Céspedes notes the emotional impact it has on viewers. “We always hear someone crying during the movie,” he shared, highlighting the film’s ability to foster a unique connection with its audience. “Creating that connection feels amazing,” he concluded, illustrating the film’s capacity to provoke reflection and emotional engagement among its viewers.

Through its exploration of love and community amid adversity, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo not only represents Chile in the international film arena but also contributes to vital conversations about acceptance and understanding in today’s world.