Sebastián Lelio | Chili | 2013 | 105' | Spanish | Dutch subtitles
This Chilean cinematic gem, an ode to life and vitality, was one of the main discoveries of the 2012 Berlin film festival, where it reaped three awards, including the Silver Bear, the Best Actress award, for Paulina Garcia.
Gloria is a divorcée in her late fifties with slightly overlarge glasses. She has a job, but still feels lonely quite often. Her two adult children Ana and Pedro rarely get in touch. She decides to stir up her life, goes to middle-aged singles' parties and eventually meets ex-naval officer Rodolfo. They embark on a romantic affair. Like Gloria, Rodolfo is divorced, but unlike her he frequently sees his former wife and their children. The change of situation is therefore quite daunting for him. When Gloria takes him along for Pedro's birthday party, Rodolfo doesn't feel comfortable and leaves without a word. Can a vacation for two save the budding relationship?
Director Sebastián Lelio, who also co-wrote the screenplay, perfectly manages to counterbalance the tragic aspects of the story with occasional absurd humour. The end result is a charming, dignified portrait of an older woman.
Director Sebastián Lelio will be present for a Q&A after the screeningS.
RIALTO:
SA 17 AUG - 21.00 
SU 18 AUG - 19.45
DE BALIE: SU 18 AUG - 15.00