Winning awards in Berlinale's Generation section, this sensitive debut feature honours the power of female teenage friendship in the aftermath of a sexual assault at a New Year’s Eve party.
Sad Girlz is an observational work filled with striking compositions and multiple layers, privileging mood and sensation over conventional narrative progression.
Sad Girlz 2026
Chicas Tristes
Paula and La Maestra are sixteen and inseparable. They train together over the summer to represent Mexico at the Junior Pan American Swimming Championship and are the strongest swimmers on their team. One night, at a party, Paula ends up alone with Daniel, a good friend and her longtime crush. Amid reggaetón, flirting, and shots, Paula and Daniel slip into the bathroom together.
Soon after, La Maestra senses that something has changed. La Maestra senses that something has changed. Paula seems distant and deeply sad. At first, she insists nothing is wrong, but La Maestra keeps pushing until her friend begins to talk about what happened that night. Searching for answers, they try to name the experience, and what they find feels devastating.
As the two girls respond in different ways, their bond is put to the test. Paula needs time, while La Maestra feels compelled to speak up. Fear, guilt, and anger begin to fracture their friendship, pushing them toward a decision that will redefine who they are, together and apart.