Tuesday, August 27, 6:00 p.m. | Few films capture the sweltering heat and languors of summer more palpably than the Argentinian maestra’s captivating and sensorially evocative debut. LA CIENAGA unfolds at a decaying country estate, where a wealthy extended family has come to drink, sunbathe, and lounge around the pool. Roger Ebert called the film “a dank, humid meditation on rotting families,” but the director of THE HOLY GIRL, THE HEADLESS WOMAN, and ZAMA crafted something far more wry: a sweaty social critique of the “discreet charm” of the Argentinian bourgeoisie.

Awards & Nominations

Nominee - Gold Hugo, Chicago International Film Festival
Winner - Best First Film, Best Actress (Graciela Borges), Argentine Film Critics Association Awards
Winner - Alfred Bauer Award, Berlin Film Festival 
Nominee - Golden Bear, Berlin Film Festival

Before They Were Big: All filmmakers have to start somewhere, and for many, the Chicago International Film Festival was a crucial part of their journey from novice to auteur. In honor of the festival’s 60th anniversary, they present four auspicious and visionary directorial debuts that screened at the festival, each one showcasing the budding brilliance of their makers. Synopses provided by the Chicago International Film Festival. View full series

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu