Italian
A new voice in cinema: Ana Puentes Margarito’s debut film
A journey from short film to feature debut
Emerging from the vibrant creative environment of the Madrid Film School ECAM incubator, “Flowers For An Absent Mother” (“Flores para una madre ausente”) marks the feature debut of writer-director Ana Puentes Margarito. This film promises to deliver an intimate yet universally resonant story of family conflict and emotional recovery. The project has been meticulously developed through various labs, including LabGuion, FinLab, and ECAM’s prestigious Incubator, undergoing a transformative journey to reach its current form.
Crafting the narrative with expert guidance
Puentes Margarito attributes much of the film’s refined script to the mentorship of screenwriter Isabel Peña, known for her work on “The Beasts” and “The Candidate.” Reflecting on the collaborative process, Puentes Margarito shared, “For me, it was like shifting our minds: someone from the outside comes and tells us things we haven’t seen. The version we have now is much closer to the story I will tell.” The project is now at a critical juncture, awaiting news from the ICAA selective funding, a pivotal step toward production next year.
Evolution from short to feature
Originally conceived as a short film titled “My Life At The Beginning”, which premiered at the Seville European Film Festival in 2022, the story has evolved significantly. Through numerous development programs, it has transformed from a tale of reconciliation to a deeply personal reflection on self-acceptance. The narrative now centers on Ana, a 25-year-old woman who returns home to confront her ailing father after years of estrangement.
A collaborative and intimate production process
Puentes Margarito has closely collaborated with producer Adriana Vera of White Leaf Producciones, with co-producing support from Verbena Films. Finnish producer Oskari Sipola from Welhofilmi has also joined the project, enhancing its international scope. Together, they have fostered a tight-knit, almost family-like development process, a deliberate approach to preserve the creative and emotional integrity of the story.
“We like to keep things small and sensitive,” the director noted. ”If we make mistakes, we do it together. We want control over the process and we want to take care of the people involved, rather than working with a large number of people we don’t know well.”
The significance of setting
The film’s setting, Castilla La Mancha, plays a crucial role in the story. “Castilla La Mancha is a crucial part of the story,” Puentes Margarito explained. ”Not only is it the setting, but it’s also important for us in terms of financing. We’ve received help from the region, and we hope to continue shooting there next year.”
Exploring generational emotional wounds
Puentes Margarito likens the story to a generational exploration of emotional wounds and family legacies. “This isn’t a story about grand external conflicts; it’s about the subtle and difficult task of recovering yourself when the people you love don’t see you for who you are. I hope a lot of people will connect with that.”
Looking ahead: casting and funding
With casting in mind, both the director and producer have been watching other films at San Sebastian with great interest. The next major milestone for “Flowers For An Absent Mother” is securing ICAA funding. “We’re hoping for a positive response in the next few weeks,” she said. “If that happens, we’ll move forward.”
Final thoughts
Ana Puentes Margarito’s debut film is poised to make a significant impact with its heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. The collaborative and intimate approach to its production, combined with the rich cultural backdrop of Castilla La Mancha, promises a film that resonates deeply with audiences.
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