For a film about death, Lila Avilés’ “Tótem” is extraordinarily lived in.
Avilés’ camera roams through the festive, cluttered gathering of an extended family as they prepare for a birthday celebratio.
Director Lila Avilés’ extraordinary family drama ‘Tótem’ is in the vein of party films like ‘Monsoon Wedding’ and ‘Rachel Getting Married’ it throws a warm, tumultuous goodbye party you’ll never want to leave.