“By mixing ethnography, mythology, and a tiny bit of magical realism, Riera creates a rich world, sumptuous and earthy, in which women must content with the roles this society has imposed on them and their own desires for autonomy and love.” - Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com
“A daring cinematic debut that combines magical realism with everyday life, and plunges the viewer into a hypnotic atmosphere.” - Carla Monfort, Espinof
Friday, March 31 at 6pm | In Elena López Riera’s assured and daring debut, it is summertime in southeastern Spain. Teenage Ana and her friends pass the time smoking, drinking, and dreaming up how they’ll escape their decaying village. When she falls in love with the out-of-towner José, Ana’s grandmother and mother warn her of an impending storm, one that threatens to cause the cursed river to overflow and sweep Ana and her beauty away, as it has for generations of other local women. Under a crackling sky, Riera blends magical realism, documentary, and mysticism into a stunning, naturalist folktale about the desire to break free of tradition – and love without consequence.
Awards & Nominations
Official Selection - Cannes Film Festival, San Sebastian Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival
Chicago European Union Film Festival: A celebration of emerging voices and a showcase of provocative perspectives from across the European Union. We welcome you to country hop with us all March long. Regardless of the country of origin, every film in the 26th Chicago European Union Film Festival has been chosen for you, our Chicago audience. We invite you to see the world on our screens. View full festival here.
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