Writer-director Issa López has shared the first trailer for her upcoming film Tigers Are Not Afraid, a contemporary horror tale set against the backdrop of Mexico’s disparaging cartel wars. The story follows 10-year-old orphan Estrella (played by Paolo Lara), who is one of thousands due to the drug wars, and is somehow given a chance to rewrite her future when she is granted three wishes. Unfortunately, her choice is solidified by her immense sorrow and loneliness— she wishes for the return of her deceased mother.
The film was originally shot in 2015, and made waves at various festivals throughout 2017, including López receiving “best horror director” at Fantastic Fest, as well as more than four dozen other awards. Fantasy-horror titans Guillermo del Toro, Neil Gaiman, and Stephen King also ushered in their praise, with King tweeting that Tigers Are Not Afraid “is one terrific film, both tough and touching. Two minutes in, I was under its spell.” Del Toro equally offered praise for López, stating that she is “a fantastic new voice in the genre,” and is now executive producing one of her forthcoming projects.
López recently shared her thoughts on the similarities between her story and the current handling of the immigration crisis in the United States, sharing that “the stories of these children fighting for survival just across the border, and the dreams and nightmares that follow them, is one that needs to be told…Fantasy and horror are sometimes the best vehicles to tell the most vital stories.”
You can watch the first trailer for Tigers Are Not Afraid above. The film hits select theaters in Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto on August 23.
For more horror movies, It: Chapter Two is nearly three hours long.
Tigers hits theaters on August 23d– And we have official poster!
Couldn’t be happier right now…
It has on it the kind words and the blessing of the un-holy trinity, and I feel a bit like crying right now. And a bit like dancing.
And a bit like both.
Thank you, @Shudder! pic.twitter.com/eNu4aXQMSv— Issa López (@IssitaLopez) July 17, 2019
Oh my devils! The King has spoken about the Tigers… https://t.co/jrXc1MqStm
— Issa López (@IssitaLopez) July 29, 2019