Iñárritu's Lost Amores Perros Footage Shown in LACMA Art Show

Filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu is showing old film clips from Amores Perros in a new art show. The show is at LACMA in Los Angeles until July 26, 2026.
By Newsroom | Arts, Los Angeles |

Filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu has unveiled "Sueño Perro," a new art installation that breathes new life into previously unseen footage from his acclaimed 1999 film, Amores Perros. The project, marking the film's 25th anniversary, debuted at Milan's Fondazione Prada in September 2025 and has since opened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on February 26, 2026. This endeavor offers a fresh perspective on the foundational work that propelled Iñárritu to international renown, exploring themes of memory, violence, and the enduring social commentary within the original narrative. The installation's presentation in Milan was a production of Fondazione Prada, with support from Rolex and Grupo Habita.

Origins and Context

Amores Perros, a triptych of interconnected stories set against the backdrop of Mexico City's underbelly, cemented Iñárritu's status as a significant cinematic voice. The film, which depicts the lives of a young man involved in illegal dog fights, a successful model, and a hitman, was noted for its raw portrayal of urban life and its potent social relevance, which remains pertinent 25 years later.

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Alejandro G. Iñárritu resurrects lost footage from 'Amores Perros' in new LACMA installation - 1

The "Sueño Perro" installation draws from material originally cut during the editing of Amores Perros, footage that had been discarded and thought lost for over two decades.

Thematic Development

The installation, Sueño Perro, transforms this excised material into a multisensory experience. Rather than presenting a linear narrative, it utilizes large-scale projections and immersive environments to create self-contained micro-narratives. This approach allows the unused sequences to exist independently while enriching the universe of the original film. Iñárritu has described the process as revisiting his past work not to alter it, but to expose its lingering impacts.

Alejandro G. Iñárritu resurrects lost footage from 'Amores Perros' in new LACMA installation - 2

  • The original film explored the interwoven fates of individuals connected by a dramatic car crash, a central event that links the separate storylines.

  • The installation's focus is on the "heat" and interconnectedness of these fragmented moments, eschewing traditional storytelling for a more visceral impact.

Exhibitions and Locations

"Sueño Perro" has been showcased in significant art institutions:

  • Fondazione Prada, Milan: Opened in September 2025, this exhibition marked the initial public presentation of the installation.

  • LACMA, Los Angeles: Opened to the public on February 26, 2026, and scheduled to run through July 26, 2026. The LACMA installation is located on Level 1 of the BCAM building.

Both exhibitions utilize colossal projectors to display Iñárritu's reconfigured footage, emphasizing a tactile and human-made aesthetic.

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Technical and Artistic Approach

Iñárritu, alongside cinematographer Éri Prieto, employed multiple cameras—specifically nine—to capture the pivotal accident scene in the original film. The recontextualization of this footage in "Sueño Perro" suggests a deliberate choice to present the raw, unedited elements of his early cinematic vision.

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  • The installation reportedly eschews traditional display methods, opting for an immersive illusion designed to draw viewers into the fragmented world.

  • The use of "full analog, tactile" elements highlights a commitment to a physical and less digitized viewing experience.

Critical Reception and Interpretation

The work has been recognized for its contemporary resonance. Despite being crafted from material over 25 years old, the installation captures the "interconnected sociopolitical realities of Mexico City with a rawness that feels strikingly contemporary." Iñárritu himself has expressed a desire for the installation to become a must-see cultural landmark in Los Angeles, similar to how he views the mural by Judy Baca, an artist he is also working to honor.

Alejandro G. Iñárritu resurrects lost footage from 'Amores Perros' in new LACMA installation - 4

The installation serves as a "meditation on memory, violence, and urban life," suggesting that even unseen or discarded images retain a powerful influence.

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Public Access and Programming

"Sueño Perro" is presented as an art installation, distinct from conventional film screenings. However, related programming has been organized to commemorate the anniversary of Amores Perros. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures hosted a special screening of Amores Perros in 4K with Alejandro G. Iñárritu present on February 22, 2026.

  • The LACMA exhibition is supported by principal sponsorship.

  • The exhibition in Milan was a production of Fondazione Prada, with generous support from Rolex and Grupo Habita.

Concluding Observations

The "Sueño Perro" installation represents a significant archival and artistic intervention by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. By unearthing and re-imagining lost footage from Amores Perros, he not only revisits his cinematic origins but also reinforces the enduring power and relevance of his early thematic concerns. The dual exhibitions in Milan and Los Angeles underscore the project's ambition to engage audiences with a fragmented yet potent exploration of memory, urban life, and the unresolvable echoes within cinematic creation.

  • The installation's success lies in its ability to evoke contemporary societal issues through material created decades ago.

  • The lack of a linear story in the installation invites viewers to interpret the scenes through their own understanding of the film's universe and broader societal contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'Sueño Perro' art installation by Alejandro G. Iñárritu?
'Sueño Perro' is an art show by filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It uses old film clips from his 1999 movie Amores Perros that were never shown before. The show is a new way to see the movie's themes of memory and violence.
Q: Where can I see the 'Sueño Perro' art installation in Los Angeles?
The 'Sueño Perro' art installation is at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It is located on Level 1 of the BCAM building. The show is open from February 26, 2026, to July 26, 2026.
Q: When did the 'Sueño Perro' installation open at LACMA?
The 'Sueño Perro' installation opened to the public at LACMA on February 26, 2026. It was first shown in Milan in September 2025.
Q: What is special about the footage used in 'Sueño Perro'?
The footage in 'Sueño Perro' was filmed for the movie Amores Perros over 25 years ago but was cut and thought to be lost. Iñárritu has now re-used this material to create a new experience for viewers.
Q: Is 'Sueño Perro' a movie screening?
No, 'Sueño Perro' is an art installation, not a traditional movie screening. It uses large screens and immersive spaces to show the re-worked footage in a new way.