Ana Serradilla as Ana. Humberto Zurita as Pat. Director Alfonso Corona. Photo courtesy of Triana Films



By Patty Cruz Lopez

One of San Jose’s most enticing treasures, The Cinequest Film Festival, shines a spotlight on another gem the world premier of Euforia, Alfonso Corona’s fourth feature film.

Corona says, “Being at a festival of the importance and caliber of Cinequest is quite an honor. It’s an ideal place to promote your film and get acquainted.” Euforia is a funny and captivating film about a 46 year-old washed-up rock star that haphazardly meets a woman and they find themselves together on a road trip towards self-discovery.

In line with Cinequest 19 theme of “Transform mind, body and soul” the film takes us on a trek towards inner-peace and personal growth.

Mexico’s undeniable natural beauty, history, and charm are magnified as the two protagonists travel through its cities and towns. Corona says, “I decided to take this road movie to colonial cities where you find a lot of Baroque elements in architecture.”

Alfonso Corona Director Euforia. Photo courtesy of Triana Films


Adding, “Watching a foreign film is like traveling abroad to places where you may never be able to go.” In Spanish with English subtitles Euforia transcends cultural barriers by focusing on the universal search for truth and the meaning of life.

Corona says, “We’re not that different from each other, from culture to culture. We all have the same fears and desires, only marked by different colors, flavors, and points of view.”

Corona explains Euforia’s tag line Old Sins Never Die by saying “Maybe you can redeem yourself from certain sins but there are certain sins that will die with you.” On a varied journey of his own Corona, who wrote, directed and produced Euforia was born in Mexico City, studied television and film production at the BBC in London and gra-duated from USC.

He gives credit to IMCINE, the cinematographic institute in Mexico, for granting incentives to many filmmakers and for reigniting Mexican Cinema.  

Director Alfonso Corona will be attending The World Premier of Euforia, at Camera 12 Cinemas Weds. Mar 4 (6:45pm). Euforia will also be shown on Thu. Mar 5 (6:45) and Sun. Mar 8 (4:00).

Experience this film and others like it at Cinequest 19 from Feb 25-March 8. Showing over 250 films and hosting special events honoring Louis Gossett Jr., Kevin Pollak and Oscar winning screenwriter Diablo Cody as well as workshops and lectures log onto www.cinequest.org for tickets, information and show times.