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Exploring the depths of “As Silence Passes By”: A new wave in Spanish cinema
A new dawn in Spanish cinema is on the horizon with Sandra Romero’s debut feature film, “As Silence Passes By.” This Madrid-based Latido Films production has already garnered significant attention, being one of the first ten titles confirmed for San Sebastian’s New Directors competition. The film promises to deliver a raw and unfiltered look into the complexities of familial relationships and the harsh realities of life in small-town Andalusia.
A narrative rooted in reality
“As Silence Passes By” follows Antonio, a 32-year-old who has built a life for himself in Madrid. He returns to his small Andalusian hometown during Holy Week to care for his twin brother, Javier, whose congenital kyphosis has worsened. The film stars real-life siblings Antonio, Javier, and María Araque, adding a layer of authenticity that is hard to achieve in traditional fiction.
The film’s structure is fictional, but its emotions are real, as Romero herself has stated. This blend of fiction and reality is reminiscent of Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland,” which also straddles the line between fact and fiction to reach deeper truths. For more on “Nomadland,” you can watch the trailer here.
A candid portrayal of co-dependency
The film delves into the challenging dynamics of co-dependency within lower-income families. Antonio and María are faced with the difficult decision of whether to dedicate their lives to caring for Javier, who craves constant attention. Javier’s return to a life of pill-popping, cocaine snorting, and alcohol-fueled nights leaves him unable to move, further complicating the siblings’ lives.
Javier’s refusal to undergo immediate major surgery and his disdain for care homes, where he felt dehumanized, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. His dark humor and candid remarks about his experiences provide a stark contrast to the film’s more somber moments.
A non-romanticized vision of small-town life
Through the character of María and their friends, the film offers a highly non-romanticized vision of life in a small town. María’s soul-destroying work in a local orange packaging factory and Fran, Javier’s ex-girlfriend, lamenting her life selling trinkets, paint a bleak yet honest picture of their reality.
Romero’s direction aims to capture the essence of life, blending fiction and reality to create a narrative that is both relatable and thought-provoking. Her approach challenges traditional storytelling structures, offering a fresh perspective on the struggles faced by many families.
Production details and Latido’s mission
“As Silence Passes By” is produced by Madrid and Valencia-based Mammut and Andalusia’s Playa Chica Films, both of which have previously collaborated with Romero on her short films. The film also involves José Nolla’s Icónica and Amaya Izquierdo’s Auna Producciones, adding to its robust production team.
Latido Films, known for supporting female directors, continues its mission with this film. Last year, they backed Rocío Mesa’s “Tobacco Barns” and this year, Celia Rico’s “Little Loves.” They have also sold recent films like Leticia Tonos Paniagua’s “Aire: Just Breathe,” Elena Trapé’s “The Enchanted,” and Arantxa Echevarria’s “Chinas.”
A window into the real conflicts of a family
“As Silence Passes By” is a film that merits all the plaudits it has received. It is innovative, sometimes beautiful, sometimes harsh, and offers an amazing exposure to the real conflicts of a family. It challenges the viewer to reflect on the complexities of co-dependency and the harsh realities faced by many in lower-income families.
As we await its release in 2024, the film promises to be a significant contribution to Spanish cinema, offering a window into the day-to-day life of small villages in the country. It leaves us pondering the difficult choices and sacrifices that come with familial love and responsibility.
