NICOTINA International Feature Competition

NICOTINA is a flawlessly executed, highly stylized romp from sophomore Mexican director Hugo Rodriguez.

Combining and contrasting black comedy, suspense and diamond heist plot twists, NICOTINA takes place in real time. The story starts at 9:17 p.m. in Mexico City and ends at 10:50 p.m. The strange cast of characters’ lives plays out simultaneously, crossing paths with fervor. While searching for the missing diamonds, some characters chain smoke, while others argue the damning effects of second-hand smoke. Rodriguez playfully examines the two world views of addiction and destiny versus free choice with a macabre comic touch.

Sophisticated camera work along with fluid editing and direction keeps the tempo lively as events continue to careen into one another in a downward spiral. With exceptionally articulated performances from the ensemble cast including Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN co-star Diego Luna, Rafael Inclan, Carmen Madrid, Rosa Maria Bianchi, Marta Belaustegui and cameo from Jesus Ochoa – Hugo Rodriguez’s NICOTINA is a playfully unforgettable film.