Carla Simón, a young Catalan director, brings her story to life in a very inventive film. Set against the maritime backdrop of Vigo, she follows Marina’s journey, torn between her family’s past and her future, likely in cinema. Stunning visuals, characters full of Spanish history, a rich and incredibly captivating film.
[Context: The article discusses a film directed by Carla Simón, focusing on a young woman named Marina exploring her family history in Vigo, Spain.]
[Fact Check: Marina is portrayed by Llúcia Garcia.]
For a student scholarship application, Marina goes to Galicia, specifically Vigo, to ask her grandparents, whom she has not yet met, to sign a document. This leads to her discovering an entire branch of her family, including her father who passed away when she was young. Uncles, aunts, cousins – she encounters her past. By filming them, she builds her future.
[Context: The film highlights Marina’s journey of familial discovery and her passion for filmmaking.]
[Fact Check: The film includes scenes shot by Marina with a small camera.]
Marina visits places her parents lived when they were young, even asking neighbors for testimonials fifteen years later. She senses inconsistencies and unspoken truths within her family, finding objects like a music box and her mother’s journal.
[Context: Marina delves deeper into her family’s past, unearthing hidden secrets.]
From secure starting points, Marina reinvents her parents’ lives, constructing images as she is deeply interested in cinema. The film incorporates realistic sequences with elements of imagination, showcasing Simón’s unique storytelling approach.
[Context: The film explores Marina’s creative vision of her family’s history.]
[Fact Check: The movie touches on the impact of drug use in post-Movida Spain.]
[Fact Check: The film reveals Marina’s father’s hidden truth about his death due to AIDS.]
[Fact Check: The abuse Marina faces due to her family’s wealth is a central theme.]
[Fact Check: Marina pushes through despite the challenges she uncovers about her family’s past.]
[Fact Check: The film was critically acclaimed at Cannes 2025.]
Carla Simón presented her film at the Carmes Cinema, discussing the personal inspiration behind it. She shared the technical aspects, casting choices, and the film’s ties to Spanish history and family dynamics. With her daughter by her side, she blurred the lines between reality and film, evoking strong emotions in her audience.
[Fact Check: The film’s title “Romería” is explained as both a religious pilgrimage and a pagan celebration.]
[Context: The article highlights the director’s personal connection to the film’s storyline.]
[Fact Check: The film’s premiere was at the Récidive festival.]
[Fact Check: Carla Simón’s daughter appears with her during the presentation at the cinema.]
[Fact Check: The film explores the theme of interweaving reality with cinematic storytelling.]
[Fact Check: The film addresses the complexities and silences within families.]
