A cinematic journey through time: ‘Narciso’ by Marcelo Martinessi
A new chapter in Martinessi’s career
Marcelo Martinessi, the acclaimed Paraguayan director known for his award-winning debut “The Heiresses,” is back with a new film that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Titled “Narciso”, this international co-production features prominent actors such as Nahuel Pérez Biscayart from Argentina and Mona Martínez from Spain. The film, originally known as “Who Killed Narciso?,” was showcased at the San Sebastian Film Festival’s Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum in 2020.
A collaborative effort
The production of “Narciso” is a testament to the power of international collaboration. The Asunción-based lead producer La Babosa has joined forces with Luxbox Films from Paris, along with key producers from Martinessi’s previous film, “The Heiresses.” These include Pandora Filmproduktion from Germany, La Fábrica Nocturna Prods. from France, Esquina Filmes from Brazil, and Mutante Cine from Uruguay. Additional support comes from producers in Spain and Portugal.
Fiorella Moretti, president of Luxbox, expressed her excitement about continuing the collaboration with Martinessi and producer Sebastian Peña Escobar. She highlighted the film’s unique blend of music, emotions, and sensuality set against a political backdrop, reinforcing Martinessi’s status as a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema.
A rich tapestry of talent
The ambitious production, which wrapped filming in Paraguay in April, features a cast of 500 extras and a stellar lineup of Paraguayan actors. Diro Romero and Manuel Cuenca lead the cast, both making their debut in an international production. Romero is a well-known figure in the Paraguayan underground theatre scene, while Cuenca transitioned from a child TV star to a popular TV host.
Other notable local actors include Arturo Fleitas, Aníbal Ortíz, Natalia Cálcena, Margarita Irun, Belén Vierci, Alberto Sanchez, Liz Fernandez Casabianca, Florencia Boccia, Macarena Candia, and Cecilia Torres.
A historical noir set in 1950s Paraguay
Set against the noir atmosphere of 1950s Paraguay, “Narciso” draws inspiration from the novel and historical research of Paraguayan writer Guido Rodríguez Alcalá. The story is loosely based on the life of Bernardo Aranda, a Paraguayan announcer who was mysteriously murdered in 1959.
Pre-production for the film took place between January and March 2024, with principal photography commencing on March 4 and concluding on April 20. The entire film was shot in the capital city of Asunción, utilizing over 10 different locations and streets throughout the city. A dedicated crew of about 60 Paraguayan and international professionals worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.
A team of seasoned professionals
Martinessi collaborated with his usual team of professionals, including DP Luis Armando Arteaga, Art Director Carlo Spatuzza, and Editor Fernando Epstein. The film’s music will be composed by Zeltia Montes, a Madrid-based composer who won a Goya, Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars, for her work on “The Good Boss” starring Javier Bardem.
Reflecting on the production, Martinessi shared his thoughts: “With a team of more than 60 professionals from seven different countries, plus a great cast, we removed ourselves from the everyday noise to be immersed in the 1950s, finding characters for a film that is halfway between fiction and truth. The dedication of the talented team to this task really impressed me. We listened to the silence of a nostalgic Asunción, we filmed, we danced, we played, we sang, and more than anything else we believed in what we were doing.”
He added, “It is always a unique opportunity to shape a story from an uncertain and unknown place. We had the strange sensation of trying to capture a film that was constantly fading away in the hot air of a Paraguayan summer. Understanding that, accepting its fragments as a gift and embracing the experience as a collective has been beautiful and revealing.”
Dive deeper into ‘Narciso’
For those eager to explore more about this intriguing film, you can watch the trailer and find additional information on the Narciso page. This film promises to be a captivating journey through time, blending historical events with a rich tapestry of emotions and artistry.
Final thoughts
“Narciso” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema. With its compelling narrative, talented cast, and dedicated crew, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Whether you are a cinema enthusiast, a lover of TV series, or a music aficionado, “Narciso” offers a unique experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world where fiction and reality intertwine.