Filmmaker Gigi Saul Guerrero's latest work combines elements of the Wild West, horror, and traditional Mexican charrería.
Mexican filmmaker Gigi Saul Guerrero has made waves with her latest project, a 10-minute Western thriller titled "El Lazo de Petra." Shot entirely on an iPhone 16 Pro, the short film has garnered over 33 million views since its release 12 days ago, showcasing the potential of mobile technology in filmmaking.
The story revolves around a modern-day charra (female horse rider) named Petra, who defends her hometown from supernatural threats. The film is a tribute to Mexican heritage, featuring a modern-day charra defending her town with her courage, a rope, and a horse named Benito.
The film's innovative use of iPhone technology is evident in its visuals, which merge cinematic ambition with mobile technology. The creative team used the iPhone’s camera and LiDAR scanner to capture 3D and motion-capture data to produce pixel art animations for Petra’s epic battles, with one sequence playable like a '90s arcade game.
Critics have praised "El Lazo de Petra" for its bold storytelling, celebration of Mexican culture, and effective use of mobile technology to streamline production and enhance creative possibilities. The film's sound design also merges Spaghetti Western musical elements with traditional Mexican instruments, creating a unique and captivating audio experience.
Gigi Saul Guerrero, a Mexico City native who grew up in British Columbia, Canada, and is a graduate of Capilano University in Vancouver, described filming with the iPhone as an "incredible experience" and a "creative revelation." She has established herself as one of genre cinema's rising stars, with nicknames like "La Muñeca del Terror" for her signature horror-influenced style.
The film is available with English subtitles and serves as a tribute to strong Mexican women, with inspiration drawn from the filmmaker's grandmother. The story involves a preteen girl who hears a bedtime story about a brave charra who battles mythical figures like La Llorona, Los Chaneques, and El Coco.
"El Lazo de Petra" is a landmark in accessible, high-end filmmaking and part of an Apple campaign highlighting the iPhone 16 Pro’s advanced filming capabilities while celebrating Mexican storytelling. The film's success underscores the potential for mobile technology to revolutionize film production and storytelling.
- The innovative use of technology in "El Lazo de Petra" is remarkable, with the entire film being shot on a smartphone, specifically the iPhone 16 Pro.
- Gigi Saul Guerrero's latest project showcases the boundary-pushing fusion of culture, technology, and entertainment, as demonstrated by its celebration of Mexican heritage and the use of a mobile device for filmmaking.
- The film's story revolves around a lifestyle emblematic of a modern-day charra, who uses a horse, a rope, and her courage to defend her community from supernatural threats.
- The film's success and the positive response it has received from critics highlight the potential for mobile gadgets to revolutionize the news and entertainment sectors, particularly in the realm of movies and television.
- With its unique audio design that combines Spaghetti Western musical elements with traditional Mexican instruments, "El Lazo de Petra" offers an immersive entertainment experience that transcends cultural borders.
