The upcoming Locarno Pro festival in Switzerland is set to showcase six captivating Uruguayan films, each with its own unique story and perspective. This selection offers a glimpse into the diverse and compelling narratives that are shaping the Uruguayan film industry. Here's a closer look at each of these films and the insights they offer.
'Maltrato animal': A veterinarian's descent into the underworld
In this gripping fiction film, José Dell’Acqua Postiglione delves into the dark underbelly of the financial crisis. The protagonist, a veterinarian, finds himself pushed to the brink after the economic collapse of 2002. His desperate attempt to survive leads him into a clandestine network of illegal breeding operations and pharmaceutical trafficking. What makes this film particularly fascinating is the exploration of the human condition under extreme circumstances. The director, José Dell’Acqua Postiglione, seems to be asking: What lengths will people go to in order to survive? The film also raises questions about the moral boundaries we cross in times of crisis. Personally, I think this film is a powerful commentary on the fragility of the human spirit and the lengths to which people will go to in order to survive.
'The Other Side of the Net': Tennis, domestic violence, and inherited wounds
Maximiliano Martínez's documentary is a deeply personal and emotional journey. After moving to Barcelona, Martínez hears his father say 'I love you' for the first time in 30 years. Through the lens of tennis, the film explores the complex relationship between father and son, and the traces of domestic violence that have been passed down through generations. What makes this film particularly interesting is the use of tennis as a metaphor for connection and healing. The director, Maximiliano Martínez, seems to be suggesting that sports can be a powerful tool for overcoming trauma and building bridges between generations. In my opinion, this film is a powerful reminder of the impact of domestic violence and the importance of breaking the cycle of silence and fear.
'Our Little Band of Justice': Superhero-inspired activism
Set in Montevideo in 1983, this fiction film follows the story of a 10-year-old girl, Lucía, who gathers a group of friends to launch a plan inspired by their favorite superheroes. Together, they create clever comic strips that cover the neighborhood walls in hopes of bringing back her best friend's family. What makes this film particularly fascinating is the exploration of the power of imagination and creativity in the face of adversity. The director, Guillermo Casanova Arósteguy, seems to be suggesting that even in the harshest of realities, the human spirit can find ways to resist and transform. From my perspective, this film is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of injustice.
'Perkal': A letter to a grandmother, an immigrant, and a war survivor
Paola Perkal's documentary is a deeply personal and intimate story. Through family archives and the filming of her father, Perkal explores the weight of family expectations and the legacy of her grandmother, an immigrant and war survivor. What makes this film particularly interesting is the exploration of the impact of family history on personal identity. The director, Paola Perkal, seems to be suggesting that the past can shape our present in profound ways, and that the stories of our ancestors can be a source of strength and inspiration. In my opinion, this film is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving family history and the impact it can have on future generations.
'Spring Story': Desire, philosophy, and the ethics of attachment
In this fiction film, Gabriela Guillermo and Irina Raffo explore the complexities of desire and attachment. Set in Montevideo's Botanical Garden, the film follows the story of Agustín and Bruno, whose fleeting encounter ignites a fevered love. As Bruno departs for Venice, the film delves into the philosophical implications of desire and the fragile ethics of attachment. What makes this film particularly fascinating is the exploration of the relationship between philosophy and flesh, jealousy and freedom. The directors, Gabriela Guillermo and Irina Raffo, seem to be suggesting that love can be both a source of joy and pain, and that the search for love and connection is a fundamental human experience. In my opinion, this film is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the impact of desire on our lives.
'The Surubí': Apparitions, tourism, and the dangers of divine power
In this fiction film, Lorenzo Tocco explores the transformation of a small industrial town, The Surubí, into a destination for mystical tourism. The film follows the locals as they seize the opportunity to market the town as a place of miraculous apparitions. What makes this film particularly interesting is the exploration of the impact of tourism on local communities and the dangers of relying on divine power. The director, Lorenzo Tocco, seems to be suggesting that the pursuit of tourism can lead to the exploitation of local communities and the dangers of relying on external saviors. In my opinion, this film is a powerful commentary on the impact of globalization and the need for sustainable development in the face of economic pressures.
