Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024
Rogelio is 8. His parents are never around, and he gets his best birthday gifts from his dentist. This summer he’s sent away to his nanny’s hometown, nestled in the jungle of Yucatán. Rogelio spends the excruciatingly hot days obsessing over “The Book of Spirits” which awakens in him visions and dreams of ghosts, but above all, of an old man who leaves a trace of death when passing by. Rogelio begins to spy on the 'Xibalba monster', and embarks on an adventure that will forever change his views on life and death.
Manuela Irene is a Mexican/Colombian filmmaker. In 2013, she participated in Cine Qua Non Lab and the Project Development Workshop at IBERMEDIA. Monstruo de Xibalba is her feature debut.