Dominican Horror Film "No Salgas" Explores Queer Identity Amidst Conservatism

"No salgas" ("Don't Come Out") is a Dominican queer coming-of-age horror film directed by Victoria Linares, marking her directorial fiction feature debut. The film, which will premiere at the Berlinale Generation, follows Liz, a college medical student portrayed by Cecile van Welie, as she grapples with her sexual identity in the conservative landscape of the Dominican Republic. The narrative begins with two teenagers fleeing into the night, leading to a tragic incident where one is killed by her possessed mother. A year later, the story revisits themes of grief and desire during a memorial trip, where an evil supernatural force begins to target Liz's friends.

Coming-of-Age Horror Pic ‘No Salgas’ (‘Stay Quiet’) Haunts EFM

The film addresses the complexities of identity and societal norms within a highly conservative environment. Linares emphasizes that the dynamics of coexistence often favor heteronormative structures, rendering the concept of an "ally" more performative than genuinely supportive. In her director's statement, she articulates that allies can inadvertently contribute to oppressive social conditions through ignorance. This perspective is crucial in understanding the film's commentary on the inadequacies of support systems for LGBTQ individuals in the Dominican Republic.

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Produced by Carlos Marranzini, José Jiménez, and Linares, "No salgas" is backed by El Perro de Argento, a Dominican production company founded by Linares and Marranzini. ArtHood Entertainment has acquired worldwide sales rights to the film, expressing excitement about its potential impact. Manola Novelli from ArtHood noted that the film combines artistic qualities with commercial potential, highlighting its relevance and universal appeal.

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The film draws parallels with other Latin American works that utilize horror to comment on societal issues, such as Jayro Bustamante’s "La Llorona," which addresses historical atrocities in Guatemala. This thematic connection underscores the power of the horror genre as a vehicle for social critique.

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While the film has garnered attention for its innovative approach, some critics may question the effectiveness of using horror to address serious social issues. The balance between entertainment and commentary can be a point of contention, particularly in how audiences perceive the film's message regarding LGBTQ rights and societal conservatism.

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• “The dynamics of coexistence and power have always favored a heteronormative society.” — Victoria Linares, Director

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• “ “We are truly excited to work on ‘No salgas,’ it is such an impressive film that haunted us for a while after watching it, not what we would expect from Generation.” — Manola Novelli, ArtHood Entertainment

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"No salgas" stands as a significant contribution to both the horror genre and LGBTQ cinema, offering a nuanced exploration of identity within a conservative society. As it prepares for its premiere at the Berlinale Generation, the film is positioned to resonate with audiences seeking both entertainment and deeper social commentary.

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