Filmed in the aftermath of Chile’s Estallido Social in 2019, Francisco Rodríguez Teare’s short film takes stock of recent events in the nation’s political history through a series of conversations held among friends lounging about a hill in downtown Santiago. Casual but insightful, October Noon captures the exhaustion young people must contend with in the face of systemic violence.

Teare first intended to make numerous variations of this film, aiming to create a mosaic-like work that included a diverse set of perspectives reflecting on the aforementioned popular revolt. But, by the time he got around to doing so, he noted “everyone was exhausted” and “the only people who were still available were some of my friends” who participated in the film as a favor, “not out of conviction.” This lethargy stands out in the film, as Teare’s friends amble about sylvan hills and scribble doodles on a napping friend while recounting their experiences amid 2019’s mass protests.

“The name of the film comes from a misreading of Eileen Myles’ beautiful poem “April Noon.” I say “misreading” because I did not know that in English “April” can be something more than a month and, for that reason, also a time. In my head, the poem is addressed to a time and not to a body. Perhaps I was looking for that with October Noon; fixing a time so that it can transform corporeal.” FRANCISCO RODRÍGUEZ TEARE

Often shot on film and privileging winding plots, Teare’s films have a dreamy feel to them. October Noon is no different, swapping perspectives as if it were an exquisite corpse made among old pals. Or, more simply, as Teare has said: “it is made with humor and freedom.”

Francisco Rodríguez Teare is a Chilean filmmaker based in France. He has been making short films since 2015, and exhibited them at the likes of MoMA, TIFF, NYFF, FIDMarseille, and numerous other prestigious film institutions. His feature debut, Otro Sol, won the Latin American Competition at Mar de Plata International Film Festival in 2023. Now, he is prepping his follow-up, which was recently allotted the top award at San Sebastian’s Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum. It will follow a delivery boy who disposes of mummies recovered in the north of Chile.

Text written by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer.