Gerardo Naranjo

Writing

Gerardo Naranjo

Born 1971-04-06 · Mexico City, Mexico

Obtained his masters degree in directing at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. In 2006 he premiered his first feature film, Drama/Mex, at Cannes's Semaine de la Critique, as was Naranjo's second film of 2008, I’m Gonna Explode. In 2011, he directed the critically acclaimed Miss Bala (2011).

Acting credits

Behind the camera

Son-in-Law poster
5.7

José Sánchez has big ambitions, terrible instincts, and a mustache to match. After a string of bad deals, he accidentally bluffs his way into becoming El Serpiente, a political boss feared for all the wrong reasons. Now he must pull off one final deal to stay alive — a deal far beyond anything he can fake.

Son-in-Law

2026

Miss Bala poster
6.7

The story of a young woman clinging on to her dream to become a beauty contest queen in a Mexico dominated by organized crime.

Miss Bala

2011

Miss Bala poster
6.7

The story of a young woman clinging on to her dream to become a beauty contest queen in a Mexico dominated by organized crime.

Miss Bala

2011

Sexennial Plan poster
5.1

Mercedes’ fantasy turns into a nightmare. Juan’s greatest fear takes the shape of a strange man entering his house. The city has fallen into chaos and anarchy, so it's going to be difficult to get some ice for the drinks; but tonight, Mercedes is an object of desire to men, so nothing else matters.

Sexennial Plan

2014

Kokoloko poster
4.8

Marisol (Alejandra Herrera) is caught between her possessive and aggressive cousin, Mauro (Eduardo Mendizábal), and passionate but inert lover, Mundo (Noé Hernández). Violence is a constant presence in their rural Mexican town, with gangs and guerilla fighters a steady presence. When Mundo has to flee, their connection turns from physical to digital even when Marisol is held captive by her cousin. Their communication via text, voicemail, and video is sporadic and frustrating, but is nevertheless a source of comfort, and their longing remains intense despite the distance. When Mundo returns, the stakes for Marisol are even higher, and it's no longer a question of whether things will come to a head, but how and when. Might their desire and desperation ultimately play to her advantage?

Kokoloko

2020

Kokoloko poster
4.8

Marisol (Alejandra Herrera) is caught between her possessive and aggressive cousin, Mauro (Eduardo Mendizábal), and passionate but inert lover, Mundo (Noé Hernández). Violence is a constant presence in their rural Mexican town, with gangs and guerilla fighters a steady presence. When Mundo has to flee, their connection turns from physical to digital even when Marisol is held captive by her cousin. Their communication via text, voicemail, and video is sporadic and frustrating, but is nevertheless a source of comfort, and their longing remains intense despite the distance. When Mundo returns, the stakes for Marisol are even higher, and it's no longer a question of whether things will come to a head, but how and when. Might their desire and desperation ultimately play to her advantage?

Kokoloko

2020

Kokoloko poster
4.8

Marisol (Alejandra Herrera) is caught between her possessive and aggressive cousin, Mauro (Eduardo Mendizábal), and passionate but inert lover, Mundo (Noé Hernández). Violence is a constant presence in their rural Mexican town, with gangs and guerilla fighters a steady presence. When Mundo has to flee, their connection turns from physical to digital even when Marisol is held captive by her cousin. Their communication via text, voicemail, and video is sporadic and frustrating, but is nevertheless a source of comfort, and their longing remains intense despite the distance. When Mundo returns, the stakes for Marisol are even higher, and it's no longer a question of whether things will come to a head, but how and when. Might their desire and desperation ultimately play to her advantage?

Kokoloko

2020

Viena and the Fantomes poster
4.5

In the 80s, a roadie named Viena travels with the Fantomes, a post punk band on tour through the American west. When the band has the possibility of sudden success, Viena finds herself involved in a love triangle that will test all of her convictions.

Viena and the Fantomes

2020

Viena and the Fantomes poster
4.5

In the 80s, a roadie named Viena travels with the Fantomes, a post punk band on tour through the American west. When the band has the possibility of sudden success, Viena finds herself involved in a love triangle that will test all of her convictions.

Viena and the Fantomes

2020

No artwork available
NR

In 2005, celebrated novelist Francisco Goldman married a beautiful young writer named Aura Estrada in a romantic Mexican hacienda. The month before their second anniversary, during a long-awaited holiday, Aura broke her neck while body surfing. Francisco, blamed for Aura’s death by her family and blaming himself, wanted to die, too. Instead, he wrote a novel chronicling his great love and unspeakable loss, tracking the stages of grief when pure love gives way to bottomless pain.

Say Her Name

Drama/Mex poster
6.0

Two stories unfold over the same long, hot day in Acapulco. The first involves Fernanda, who is forced to deal with the emergence of her ex-lover. Her boyfriend must compete with the sexual tension they share. The second concerns Jamie, a worker attempting suicide, until a girl disrupts his plan.

Drama/Mex

2006

Drama/Mex poster
6.0

Two stories unfold over the same long, hot day in Acapulco. The first involves Fernanda, who is forced to deal with the emergence of her ex-lover. Her boyfriend must compete with the sexual tension they share. The second concerns Jamie, a worker attempting suicide, until a girl disrupts his plan.

Drama/Mex

2006

The GoodTimesKid poster
6.3

Hoping to improve his life, the temperamental Rodolfo Cano enlists in the Army. But when another Rodolfo Cano receives his sign-up orders, the two Rodolfos' lives collide -- with the first Rodolfo's girlfriend adding to the confusion.

The GoodTimesKid

2005

Revolución poster
5.1

Made up of 10 short films, 'Revolucion' analyzes through the eyes of the directors what is the revolution today and what it means to the young minds of Mexico.

Revolución

2010

I'm Gonna Explode poster
6.4

Tale of a young couple who throw caution to the wind and set out in search of their true fate. Román is the son of a contemptible, right-leaning congressman. Recently enrolled in a new high school, the rebellious teen clumsily attempts to hang himself on-stage at the big talent show. Maru is the sole member of the audience to applaud, earning both students a day of detention. After bonding during the course of their punishment, Román and Maru grab daddy's gun, steal a Volkswagen, and hit the road bound for nowhere.

I'm Gonna Explode

2008

I'm Gonna Explode poster
6.4

Tale of a young couple who throw caution to the wind and set out in search of their true fate. Román is the son of a contemptible, right-leaning congressman. Recently enrolled in a new high school, the rebellious teen clumsily attempts to hang himself on-stage at the big talent show. Maru is the sole member of the audience to applaud, earning both students a day of detention. After bonding during the course of their punishment, Román and Maru grab daddy's gun, steal a Volkswagen, and hit the road bound for nowhere.

I'm Gonna Explode

2008

I'm Gonna Explode poster
6.4

Tale of a young couple who throw caution to the wind and set out in search of their true fate. Román is the son of a contemptible, right-leaning congressman. Recently enrolled in a new high school, the rebellious teen clumsily attempts to hang himself on-stage at the big talent show. Maru is the sole member of the audience to applaud, earning both students a day of detention. After bonding during the course of their punishment, Román and Maru grab daddy's gun, steal a Volkswagen, and hit the road bound for nowhere.

I'm Gonna Explode

2008

Malachance poster
8.0

MALACHANCE tells the tragic story of Mika (James Ransone) and his cohorts; the film was shot in Los Angeles and on location in New Orleans and NYC.

Malachance

2004

Malachance poster
8.0

MALACHANCE tells the tragic story of Mika (James Ransone) and his cohorts; the film was shot in Los Angeles and on location in New Orleans and NYC.

Malachance

2004

Malachance poster
8.0

MALACHANCE tells the tragic story of Mika (James Ransone) and his cohorts; the film was shot in Los Angeles and on location in New Orleans and NYC.

Malachance

2004

No artwork available
NR

Moses, an old bum arrives at a small town. Silence. Nobody around. Signs of life but no human presence, as if the town were recently deserted. Moses gets scared and runs looking for somebody... nothing...just dogs. After a few drinks in the bar Moses realizes he is free to do anything. Moses fullfills his wildest fantasies. The townspeople observe him from a nearby hill. They try to warn him of the immenent danger. Moses is too busy in his destructive game.

The Last Attack of the Beast

2002

No artwork available
NR

Moses, an old bum arrives at a small town. Silence. Nobody around. Signs of life but no human presence, as if the town were recently deserted. Moses gets scared and runs looking for somebody... nothing...just dogs. After a few drinks in the bar Moses realizes he is free to do anything. Moses fullfills his wildest fantasies. The townspeople observe him from a nearby hill. They try to warn him of the immenent danger. Moses is too busy in his destructive game.

The Last Attack of the Beast

2002