Ventanarosa Productions, founded by Salma Hayek Pinault in 1998, has become a powerhouse in the industry for telling Latino stories from Latino voices, both in the United States and Mexico. Over the years, the company has produced numerous critically acclaimed projects, garnering international recognition and acclaim. One such project is the upcoming film Tótem, directed by Lila Avilés, which has now welcomed Salma Hayek Pinault as an executive producer alongside her partners, José Tamez and Siobhan Flynn.
The Journey of Tótem
Tótem serves as Avilés’ follow-up to her international breakthrough film, The Chambermaid. The film explores the story of young Sol (Naíma Sentíes) from a primarily child’s perspective. As her family prepares for her father’s (Mateo Garcia) birthday party, the delicate dynamics and uncertain future of the family gradually become clearer. Tótem, named one of the Top 5 International Films of the Year by the National Board of Review, has received critical acclaim and is considered a frontrunner for Mexico’s entry in the Best International Feature category at the Oscars.
Award-Winning Recognition
World premiering at the Berlin Film Festival, Tótem received the Ecumenical Jury Prize, solidifying its place among the best in international cinema. The film has also been nominated for Best International Feature at the Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards. Its journey on the festival circuit included prestigious events such as Telluride, New Directors/New Films, and the BFI London Film Festival. Tótem’s ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike has established Avilés as a talented filmmaker to watch.
Tótem offers a poetic and poignant portrayal of the harsh realities of life seen through a young girl’s perspective. Pinault emphasized that the film beautifully captures the inherent loneliness often experienced in childhood, where bitterness can overshadow the sweetness of parental love. Nonetheless, the film stands as a reminder of the importance of unity, joy, humor, friends, family, community, and the celebration of life. Avilés, Graullera, and Riousse, the filmmakers behind Tótem, express their deep honor in having Salma Hayek Pinault and the Ventanarosa Team join their creative journey. They greatly admire Pinault’s work in both Mexico and the United States, making her support particularly meaningful.
From its first production, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s No One Writes to the Colonel, which premiered in the Official Selection at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival, Ventanarosa Productions has consistently brought captivating stories to the screen. Notably, the company produced the Academy Award-winning Frida, a biographical drama that recounted the life of renowned artist Frida Kahlo. The Maldonado Miracle, another production by Ventanarosa Productions, earned Hayek an Emmy Award for Directing. The company also achieved great success with the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Peabody Award-winning series Ugly Betty, and the Annie Award-nominated animated feature, Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. Recent projects include the Netflix series Monarca and the feature film El sabor de la Navidad, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Salma Hayek Pinault’s Versatility
Beyond her role as a producer, Salma Hayek Pinault continues to make her mark as an actress. Her recent performances in Magic Mike’s Last Dance and the haunting episode “Joan Is Awful” from Netflix’s Black Mirror showcase her versatility and ability to captivate audiences. Up next, she will be seen in Angelina Jolie’s film Without Blood.
Ventanarosa Productions has contributed significantly to the world of storytelling by bringing Latino stories to the forefront. Tótem, the latest addition to their impressive portfolio, demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to impactful narratives. Salma Hayek Pinault’s involvement as an executive producer further solidifies the film’s potential for success. As audiences eagerly anticipate the release of Tótem, the evolution of Ventanarosa Productions continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
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