DIEGO RUIZ | CHILI | 2013 | 73' | SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
Convincing proof of Latin American cinema's great vitality could be seen during previous editions of World Cinema Amsterdam. With his remarkable feature debut young Chilean director Diego Ruiz, who achieved first fame as an actor, confirms this once again. Ruiz not only directed the film, but also co-wrote the script and plays the lead character in this non-chronologically told story about truly essential emotions: sorrow and sexuality.
The slightly gloomy Daniel Hahn works as an illustrator in a Santiago-based advertising agency. Despite being gay, he becomes involved with his colleague Camila. Many years ago, he also had a relationship with a woman; it was a more or less a therapeutic affair with his neighbour Paula. The two relationships are however largely dissimilar. When he was seeing Paula, Daniel was a prescription drug addict and overall a jittery wreck - his mother's death and the break-up with his lover Marco had sent him reeling. With Camila he has found calmer waters.
Ruiz shot most of the "Paula scenes" indoors, in small, enclosed spaces - "igloos," which can provide a sense of security, but also make you want to escape. This is an option: very subtly he grants us sporadic brief glimpses of the outside world, the streets where everyday life is going on.
Diego Ruiz, director of the film, will be attending the festival and will answer the audience's questions after the screening of his film.
Screenings
Venue: Rialto
WED 20 AUG – 21.45 
FRI 22 AUG – 19.30
Venue: De Balie
SAT 23 AUG – 19.30