Treintañera has a curious premise for sure, but it's also interesting (at least for those of us on this side of the border) The Mexican-American experience seems is so different (and yet so familiar) to the Mexican side. While, yes, a Quinceañera party is common practice, it has diminished through the years. Of course, the whole idea is used for comedic effect since no thirty year old woman would ever go through with a Quinceañera style party (or would they?) Anyway, the entire bizarre situation makes for a humorous set-up and the ensuing situation is just amazing to watch as it unfolds.
Every element from the Quinceañera party is identifiable, from the use of a giant pink dress to the chaperons (I had the indisputable honor of being one... let's keep it between us) at some point though, the situation grows more and more bizarre and we get the feeling that it may all be a nightmare. Which, even funnier, it's not. There's a feeling of dream-logic permeating through the short that is unshakable.
On a technical level this is a very polished production. Cinematography, color correction, sound mix and editing are all on point. The main performance by Tamara Bunker is charming and hilarious when it has to be. She's got the qualities of a leading lady in a Rom-com. She sells the exasperation of the character as she has to go through a series of bizarre events that could be humiliating, and yet it's all endearing in an honest way.
TREINTAÑERA takes the Mexican tradition of the Quinceañera and turns it into a humorous series of events Oaxaca FilmFest
