Apple’s latest installment in its Shot on iPhone series takes viewers on a vibrant journey through Mexico. Titled Suerte (Spanish for “luck”), the short film follows singer-songwriter Iván Cornejo as he embarks on a quest to rediscover his musical roots.
Directed by the dynamic duo Cliqua (Pasqual Gutiérrez and RJ Sánchez), the spot is a visual fiesta that blends Cornejo’s musical adventure with the sophisticated capabilities of the latest iPhone.
The heartwarming story is punctuated by encounters with fantastical characters inspired by the traditional Mexican game Lotería, metaphors for the challenges and triumphs faced by any artist in search of their creative spark. Cornejo’s journey is soundtracked by his own music, including the melancholic Intercambio Injusto.
It’s a vibrant love letter to Mexican culture, with its sights and sounds woven into the narrative. But cinephiles will take note of the technical prowess too. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 48-megapixel camera shines, capturing every detail, while the 5x optical zoom brings distant elements into focus. Cinematic Mode keeps the focus on Cornejo even when the camera's moving, resulting in polished, professional-looking shots that would make any director proud. And for those who like to tinker in post-production, the phone’s log encoding allows for nuanced color grading, adding a whole new dimension to the film.