Chennai International Film Festival

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Motel Destino

Brazil | 2024| 115 mins | Portuguese

Motel Destino, a vibrant neon-lit roadside hotel on Brazil’s northeastern coast, is run by Elias, a short-tempered man, and his restless young wife, Dayana. Their routine is disrupted when 21-year-old Heraldo, fleeing after a failed hit job, arrives unexpectedly. As tensions rise in this tropical noir setting, hidden desires and shifting loyalties emerge, revealing complex relationships. Under the burning blue skies, the characters’ lives intertwine in unexpected ways, as destiny weaves its own mysterious and inevitable path, challenging the fragile balance of power and trust in their isolated world.

Director
Image description
Karim Aïnouz is a Brazilian filmmaker and screenwriter, known for his distinctive style blending sensuality and intense human emotions. Born in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 1966, Aïnouz’s works often explore themes of identity, desire, and societal change. He gained international recognition with films like Seashore (2015) and The Silver Cliff (2011), which focus on intimate, often queer, stories set against the backdrop of Brazilian culture. His recent works include Motel Destino (2024), a tropical noir thriller. Aïnouz’s films have been featured at major film festivals, including Cannes and Venice, solidifying his reputation in world cinema.
Cast & Crew

Director – Karim Aïnouz

Producer – Janaina Bernardes,

Didar Domehri, Caio Gullane,

Fabiano Gullane, André Novis,

Gabrielle Tana, Hélène Théodoly

Cinematographer – Hélène Louvart

Editor – Nelly Quettier

Music – Amine Bouhafa

Cast – Iago Xavier, Nataly Rocha, Fábio Assunção,