The 32nd Annual Austin Film Festival hosted the World Premiere of the feature film Sacrificios (Sacrifices), seen by audiences for the first time anywhere, as stated in an interview with Director Mauricio Chernovetzky and co-writer Alexander Ioshpe. They stated during the interview that they had not yet seen the film together in a theater and were looking forward to the screenings in Austin. They were both present for the first screening and will be at the subsequent one tonight, Monday, October 27, 2025.
Mauricio Chernovetzky was born in Mexico but grew up and studied in other countries (the S. and Europe). It was upon his return to Mexico that he was drawn to create a story closer to his cultural and creative roots. The writers effectively use a book as a starting point for the film.
The writer/director included this statement in the original press release about the film, offering insight into the story. “Sacrificiosis inspired by and dedicated to my father. As I became increasingly aware of all the sacrifices he’s made for my brother and I, along with the emotional toll they’ve taken on him, I asked myself: Is there a limit to how much he’d be willing to sacrifice? This film is a response to that question. It is a deeply personal vision exploring the traumatic pain of unexpectedly losing someone you love. With Sacrificios, I’ve attempted to open a portal into the rich and mysterious realm of the unconscious.” (Mauricio Chernovetzky)
During the interview before the screening, Chernovetzky shared that he had experienced loss during the film’s production.
The film is a psychological horror-thriller that explores the chilling depths to which someone will go to reverse a tragic loss. I read this description of the film before I watched it and did not have expectations of where the story might go. After I viewed the film, I was very surprised by the child’s actions and by what the protagonist does after the tragedy. I did not expect to see what evolved after the chain of events, and it kept me fully engaged with the performances. I did not find this predictable at all.
About: After the tragic death of a three‑year‑old child, Andres (Siddhartha Tonalli), his father, Juan (Jorge A. Jimenez, Alita: Battle Angel, “Narcos, Narcos: Mexico” TV series), is consumed by guilt and takes to the vastness of the open sea in despair. What begins as a desperate escape transforms into a supernatural encounter when Juan mysteriously rescues his son from the waves. What follows is both haunting and emotional, even for those who are not parents. The grief, guilt, and other emotions drive Juan to push through so much without hesitation.
The film also stars Frida Astrid, Noé Hernandez, and Costanza Andrade. The writer/director stated during the interview that Jorge A. Jimenez has starred in multiple television series for which he is known. In Sacrificios, he is the lead and excels at showing the audience his full range of talent, from the good days with his family to the darker days that follow the tragedy. I am limiting the details in this review to avoid spoiling this great story of grief, faith, and love. There are many expressions of love throughout, and yet the audience will see what may happen back home after days at sea. The child actor is most impressive and appears natural in his abilities for this level of drama, emotion, and supernatural themes. You will see.
This premiere may be the beginning of the film’s international festival journey, but no matter where it is viewed, someone will know and understand those feelings of grief and love.
If you missed the first screening this weekend, there is another opportunity to view the film at the festival on Monday, October 27, 2025, @ 9:30pm at the Galaxy Theater, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd. Austin, 78752.
Note: This review includes a few statements from the interview with the writers; more will be posted separately.
Source: Balthus Films, Austin Film Festival