The Chambermaid

In her feature debut, theater director Lila Avilés turns the monotonous work day of Eve (Gabriela Cartol), a chambermaid at a high-end Mexico City hotel, into a beautifully observed film of rich detail. Set entirely in this alienating environment, with extended scenes taking place in the guest rooms, hallways, and cleaning facilities, this minimalist yet sumptuous movie brings to the fore Eve’s hopes, dreams, and desires. As with Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA, set in the same city, The Chambermaid salutes the invisible women caretakers who are the hard-working backbone of society. – New Directors/New Films

"Possessed of a deadpan wit and downplayed humanistic warmth... and a poised lead performance by Gabriela Cartol. It will mark Avilés as a name to watch." – Jonathan Romney, Screen International

"Funny and playful... Nuanced and natural, it has a quiet and modest power as it comments on the ironies of contemporary cities like Mexico City and their growing economic divide." – John Fink, The Film Stage

"Winningly grounded. A compassionate tribute to Mexico’s anonymous laboring classes." – John Hopewell, Variety

"Formally confident and technically polished. Avilés is an exciting find." – Dan Sallitt, MUBI

“Newcomer Cartol is a revelation. There’s an inner light bursting to break free.” – Kristen Lopez, Culturess

“A truly astonishing gem.” – Juan Sarda, El Cultural

“Outstanding.” – Iván Belmont, Konexión

**Winner | Best Film | Morelia Film Festival**
**Winner | Jury Prize | Marrakech Film Festival**
**Official Selection | Toronto Film Festival**
**Official Selection | San Sebastian Film Festival**
**Official Selection | AFI Fest**
**Official Selection | Palm Springs International Film Festival**
**Official Selection | BFI London Film Festival**
**Official Selection | New Directors/New Films**

**Variety’s 10 Latinx To Watch 2019 - Lila Avilés**