Overview and Background of the Film
Diego Céspedes, a Chilean filmmaker, has made his feature film debut with “La misteriosa mirada del flamenco,” which won the “Un Certain Regard” (A Certain Look) award at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie, set in the early 1980s, revolves around a gay family in Chile and the onset of the AIDS epidemic.
Director’s Acceptance Speech and Film Context
Upon receiving the award, Céspedes emphasized that this recognition celebrates fear and determination to exist authentically, even when it challenges others. The film’s subject matter is particularly relevant as it addresses the societal stigma surrounding homosexuality and the AIDS crisis during a pivotal time in Chile’s history.
“Un Certain Regard” Section Highlights
This year’s “Un Certain Regard” section, which typically focuses on auteur cinema, featured several promising directorial debuts. Notable among them were Scarlett Johansson, Harris Dickinson, and Kristen Stewart.
“Érase una vez en Gaza”
Directed by Palestinian brothers Arab and Tarzan Nasser, “Érase una vez en Gaza” follows a low-level drug trafficker and his subordinate in the Gaza Strip during the year Hamas took power. The film won a directing award at Cannes.
- Director’s Message: Tarzan Nasser expressed his hope for Palestinians, stating, “To all the people of Gaza, to every Palestinian: your lives matter and your voices matter, and soon Palestine will be free.” His words received a thunderous applause.
“Un Poeta” and “Sólo descanso en la tormenta”
“Un Poeta,” a dark comedy by Colombian director Simón Mesa Soto, which delves into the art world, received an honorable mention from the Jury Award.
Frank Dillane, who starred in Dickinson’s well-received debut “Urchin,” won the best actor award alongside Cleo Diara, who features in Pedro Pinho’s Portuguese film “Sólo descanso en la tormenta,” which explores neocolonialism.
Script Award
The script award went to British writer Harry Lighton for his twisted romance “Pillion,” directed by Alexander Skarsgård.
