The Empty Hours

The sophomore film by Aarón Fernández is a collaborative effort between Spain, Mexico, and France, and it was previously showcased during the Films in Progress segment at the 60th Festival. Set against the barren backdrop of Veracruz’s coastline, the story follows 17-year-old Sebastián, who is tasked with managing his uncle’s motel alone, renting out rooms on an hourly basis. It is here that he encounters Miranda, a frequent visitor who uses the motel as a rendezvous point for a lover who habitually arrives late, leading to a brief flirtation between her and Sebastián.