A Look at the Growing Queer Community in Michoacán’s Rodeo Scene at Sundance Film Festival
Premiering Documentary Explores the Hidden Queer Subculture of Jaripeo
During the festive season in Michoacán, Mexico, bull riders and cowboys gather for the much-anticipated jaripeo—an event that captures the essence of ranchero masculinity. However, beneath this traditional rodeo atmosphere lies a secret world of queer desire, characterized by fleeting connections and discreet encounters. This nuanced exploration is the focus of the documentary Jaripeo, which will have its world premiere in the NEXT section of the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday.
Directed by Efraín Mojica, who spent his formative years between Riverside, California, and Penjamillo, Michoacán, and Mexico City-based Rebecca Zweig, the film offers an intimate glimpse into the jaripeo experience. The trailer hints at the rich, layered storytelling within the documentary.
Mojica stars in the film alongside two other key figures: Noé, portrayed as "a macho and desirable cowboy," and Joseph, described as "a flamboyant diva and jaripeo super fan." Together, they navigate the complexities of their sexual identities within a cultural framework that often shuns open expressions of queer identity.
This project represents Mojica’s feature directorial debut. As a multidisciplinary artist, he aims to capture the interplay between community, tradition, and sexuality in the jaripeo scene. "We built a hybrid film that blends observational documentary with lyrical, essayistic elements," Mojica and Zweig shared in a directors’ statement, emphasizing their personal connection to the narrative.
Jaripeo seeks to emphasize relational aspects—how one relates to oneself and others, and how the act of returning to one’s roots can evoke both revelation and grief. The film’s thoughtful exploration of these themes is designed to resonate deeply with viewers.
In addition to its Sundance premiere, Jaripeo will screen in Park City on January 26, 30, and February 1, as well as in Salt Lake City on January 27. Following its time at Sundance, the film is set to make its international debut at the Berlinale.
The documentary features production contributions from Sarah Strunin, along with editing by Analía Goethals. Cinematography is a collaborative effort between Josué Eber Morales and Gerardo Guerra, while Mojica also provides 8mm footage interwoven throughout the film. The musical score is composed by Emilia Ezeta and Marton Radics, with executive producers Carrie Lozano, Lizzie Gillett, and Ian Bonhôte overseeing the project.
Jaripeo promises to be a captivating exploration of identity within a vibrant cultural setting.
