Italian
A new cinematic journey: ‘Fugue’ premieres at Edinburgh and Lima film festivals
The world of cinema is abuzz with the debut of “Fugue”, a hybrid feature film that has captured the attention of audiences at both the Edinburgh and Lima film festivals. Directed by the talented duo Mary Jiménez and Bénédicte Liénard, this film promises to be a profound exploration of human resilience and cultural conflict.
Honoring a visionary director
Lima is set to honor Mary Jiménez with a special tribute, showcasing three of her most acclaimed works: “Del Verbo Amar”, “Loco Lucho”, and “In the Name of Tania”. This retrospective not only celebrates Jiménez’s contributions to cinema but also provides a deeper understanding of her unique storytelling approach.
A tale from the Peruvian Amazon
“Fugue” unfolds in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, a region marked by the brutal violence and homophobia of the Shining Path terrorist group. The narrative follows a young shaman, portrayed by Saor Sax, as he escorts Valentina’s body back to their village for burial. This journey is not just a physical one but also a poignant exploration of identity and survival.
Continuation of a powerful narrative
This film is a continuation of Jiménez and Liénard’s previous work, “In the Name of Tania”, which also delved into the complexities of life in the Peruvian Amazon. The directors have stated that “Fugue” aims to shed light on the stories of homosexuals persecuted by the Tupac Amaru and Shining Path terrorist groups during Peru’s ‘dirty war’ from 1970 to 2000. These narratives, often silenced and shrouded in shame, are brought to the forefront with the help of queer artist Saor Sax, whose performance challenges the conservative norms of Amazonian society.
A blend of reality and imagination
“Fugue” is a unique blend of reality and imagination, with the filmmakers employing a hybrid format that seamlessly integrates both elements. Working with a modest budget and non-professional actors, Jiménez and Liénard have crafted what they describe as “artisan cinema.” This approach involved close collaboration with local communities and a small crew, resulting in a film that is both authentic and deeply personal.
The cast and crew
The film stars Saor Sax, Valentina Linares Gonzales, Miguel Gomez Grandes, Dimas Garcia Torres, and Willy Pinchi Isuiza. The director of photography is Virginie Surdej, while the editing team includes Marie-Hélène Dozo, Jiménez, Liénard, and Octavio Iturbe. The production team is led by Hanne Phlypo, with co-producers Digna Sinke, Pilar Peredo, Edgard Tenembaum, and Isabel Madueño Medina.
A collaborative production
“Fugue” is produced by Clin d’Oeil Films in collaboration with SNG Film, Tu Vas Voir, Perpetua Cine, Cinetroupe, RTBF Télévision Belge-Unité Documentaire, and Shelter Prod. The project received support from various organizations, including the Film and Audiovisual Center of Wallonia Brussels Federation, the Belgian Federal Government’s Tax Shelter, screen.brussels, the Brussels-Capital Region, the Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD), the Netherlands Film Fund (NFF), the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, the Creative Europe program of the European Union, the Centre national du Cinema et de l’image animée (CNC), and the CBA-Centre de l’Audiovisuel à Bruxelles.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, “Fugue” resonates deeply with me. The film’s exploration of marginalized voices and its commitment to authenticity are commendable. The use of non-professional actors and the intimate portrayal of life in the Amazonian villages add layers of depth to the narrative. The directors’ decision to blend reality with imagination creates a unique viewing experience that challenges conventional storytelling.
For those interested in experiencing this cinematic journey, you can watch the trailer for Fugue and delve into the world crafted by Jiménez and Liénard. This film is not just a story; it’s a testament to the power of cinema to give voice to the unheard and to illuminate the complexities of human existence.
Final thoughts
“Fugue” is a film that demands attention and reflection. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of telling stories that challenge societal norms. As we continue to explore the vast landscape of cinema, films like “Fugue” serve as beacons of creativity and courage, inspiring us to look beyond the surface and to embrace the richness of diverse narratives.
