Newborn / Un mundo para mí, the compelling debut feature by Alejandro Zuno—director of the hit Netflix series The Secret of the River— had its world premiere at the Mar del Plata Film Festival last November and will have its North American premiere at the 34th Cinequest Film Festival, running March 11-23 in San Jose, followed by the 32nd San Diego Film Festival, March 19-23.
The first Mexican film to address intersexuality, Newborn tells the story of Maria and Nicholas, a young couple in Mexico City whose world is upended when doctors reveal that their newborn's sex cannot be determined due to a disorder of sexual development.
Nicholas insists on following medical protocol, which calls for surgically assigning a sex to their child. But Maria embarks on a path of research and self-reflection, connecting with an activist who challenges her understanding of gender and identity. As Maria questions the necessity of medical intervention, tensions mount between the couple, forcing them to confront their deepest fears about their child's future.
Facing the toughest decision of their lives and caught between love, uncertainty, and societal pressure, Maria and Nicholas must make a life-altering decision — one that will shape not only their baby's path but also their own understanding of family and acceptance.
Featuring powerful performances by Mayra Hermosillo (Lost in the Night) and Andrés Delgado (La Máquina), Newborn is a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the challenges of parenthood. As an openly queer filmmaker, Alejandro Zuno brings sensitivity and depth to his auspicious debut feature, capturing a couple’s emotional journey as they navigate an unexpected dilemma that tests their values and reshapes their understanding of acceptance.
