“It’s an intimate story, but deeply connected to our cultural identity,” said the director.

Under the September Sun tells the journey of Abel, a data analyst who returns to his hometown with the hope of introducing his girlfriend Meryem to his family, according to the synopsis.

However, the young woman disappears on the morning of September 14 after searching for the famous director Espinoza and becomes trapped in his obsessive world, who insists on making her his new muse, Espinoza explains.

The film combines humor, drama, and social criticism, while offering a fresh and provocative look at human relationships surrounding national holidays or Independence Day.

Under the September Sun joins the long list of Guatemalan films, led by many by the classic The Silence of Neto (1994), directed by Luis Argueta.

Other notable feature films include Ixcanul (2015), director Jayro Bustamante’s debut, as well as La Llorona and Temblores, both from 2019, also directed by Espinoza.

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