Pimienta Films, known for its Oscar-winning production of ‘Roma,’ has joined forces with Maligno Gorehouse for their latest project titled “Lux Noctis.” Maligno Gorehouse, recognized for its eerie drama “Huesera” directed by Michelle Garza Cervera and for co-producing Blumhouse’s inaugural Mexican horror film, “No me sigas,” is set to make waves once again.
‘Lux Noctis’ marks the feature directorial debut of Damiana Acuña, who is at the helm of this gripping drama.
“I am beyond excited to be a part of Damiana’s project, ‘Lux Noctis.’ I have admired her artistic journey over the years. The moment I heard her vision at Ventana Sur and discussed her ideas for this debut, I couldn’t resist joining the endeavor,” stated Nicolas Celis of Pimienta Films, who joins as a minority partner.
Celis expressed, “Her emotional depth and the thoughtful approach to the narrative truly impressed me; the boldness of her project, executed with such seriousness, made it impossible for me to turn down this opportunity to support her journey.”
“Lux Noctis” unfolds within an isolated matriarchal society, where women combat a perilous darkness using their ability to generate light. Young Lina, navigating the difficult rites of passage, finds herself in a forbidden romance with a man, challenging the societal norms and igniting a rebellion that heralds a new era.
Acuña noted, “We are eager to leverage Nico and Pimienta’s expertise in auteur-driven narratives that achieve global recognition. This collaboration holds personal significance as Nico and I both hail from the same town in Morelos, creating a meaningful rapport between us.”
“While ‘Lux Noctis’ is steeped in genre elements, Damiana’s artistic vision elevates it to a vibrant level,” remarked Eduardo Lecuona, co-founder of Maligno Gorehouse alongside Javier Sepúlveda.
Lecuona further added, “Pimienta Films was invited to come aboard as a co-producer to bolster this fantasy-horror endeavor, aiming to transform it into a piece of auteur cinema, an area where Pimienta excels.”
Describing itself as “an obsessed Dr. Frankenstein in his lab,” Maligno Gorehouse is committed to nurturing a new wave of horror filmmakers.
Located in Mexico City, the company focuses on collaborating with emerging directors to offer audiences fresh perspectives on horror storytelling.
Beginning to garner attention in 2023, “Lux Noctis” participated in the Cine Qua Non Lab and Linterna Lab, and it was a semifinalist for the NYX Fellowship (Stowe Story Labs, U.S.), claiming several development accolades at Ventana Sur’s genre segment, Blood Window. Moreover, it received the Sitges Film Festival’s Woman in Fan Award and the Fantastic Pavilion Award at Marché du Film. Additionally, it won the Hatching Award at the BIFFF Market to showcase the project at Iberseries & Platino Industria.
The film was also honored with the Cinecolor Award at the Los Cabos International Film Festival, and in 2025, it became one of five selected projects for Cannes’ Breaking Through the Lens initiative.
