Son of Monarchs

About Son of Monarchs

"Son of Monarchs" is a touching drama film that was released in 2020. The narrative follows the life of Mendel, a young scientist from Mexico living in New York. After years of absence, he is compelled to return to his homeland following his grandmother's death. On his return, he confronts past traumas and present-day conflicts, ultimately identifying and appreciating his dual identity as a Mexican living in America.

Making / Production

"Son of Monarchs" has been directed by Alexis Gambis and produced by Maria Altamirano. It's a beautiful blend of science and personal journey, making it a unique and thought-provoking film. The film was meticulously shot in both NYC and in the breathtaking Monarch butterfly-rich mountains of Michoacan with rich, vivid cinematography.

Actors

• Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Mendel - A passionate scientist who embraces his complex dual identity.
• Alexia Rasmussen as Sarah - Sarah supports Mendel as both his love interest and a fellow scientist.
• Lázaro Gabino Rodríguez as Simon - Simon plays Mendel's brother, providing an important link to Mendel's past.
• Noé Hernández as Bruno - A loyal friend to Mendel, instrumental in his journey towards self-discovery.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie has been presented in both Spanish and English, reflecting the main character's dual identity.
• The movie combines both actual science and fiction resulting in a unique blend of two genres.
• 'Monarchs' in the title refers to the Monarch butterflies which migrate between Mexico and the U.S. — a potential metaphor for bicultural identities.

Awards

"Son of Monarchs" has been recognized with several accolades, including the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "Sometimes, I feel more like a foreigner in my own country."
• "I've come to realize that in order to understand butterflies, you must know about their environment."
• "I guess we're like butterflies, aren't we? Constantly transforming."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score is composed by Carlo Nicolau, an experienced film composer, whose music is instrumental in setting the tone of the film.
• Songs like "Faroeste Caboclo" by Legião Urbana and "Cucurrucucú Paloma" by Lola Beltrán feature in the film, further enriching the story's emotional depth.