Ventana Sur’s Copia Final: A Fresh Superhero Tale by Luciana Piantanida

An Argentine gem at Ventana Sur

Writer-director-producer Luciana Piantanida is set to unveil her latest feature, All the Strength (Todas las fuerzas) at Ventana Sur’s Copia Final. The film, marking her second narrative endeavor, aims to secure a sales agent, distribution deal, and festival slots.

From celebrated past to promising future

Piantanida, whose debut film Los Ausentes garnered critical acclaim, co-founded production company Pensar con las Manos with Andrea Testa and Francisco Márquez. Notably, Márquez’s co-directed film The Long Night of Francisco Sanctis premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

A gripping plot with supernatural twists

All the Strength centers on 47-year-old migrant caregiver Marlene, portrayed by Bolivian non-professional actor Celia Santos. Marlene works for an elderly woman and secretly embarks on nocturnal investigations when her friend goes missing. Through her journey, she encounters other women who have developed supernatural powers, mirroring her own transformation.

Touching on humanity through fantasy

Piantanida’s narrative weaves crime story elements without relying on traditional police involvement. Instead of a private detective, Marlene uses her breaks from caregiving to solve the mystery, highlighting marginalized voices. As the plot progresses, the film delves into fantasy, yet remains grounded in stark social commentary.

Stellar international cast

Supporting roles are filled by acclaimed Argentine actors Silvina Sabater and Andrea Garrote, plus non-professionals from Peru and Paraguay. Piantanida emphasized the diverse representation, adding depth to the culturally rich storyline.

International collaboration and production

The production has attracted international collaborations, with Peru’s La Dupla and Maretazo Cine joining as minority producers. Executive producer Daniel Vega ensures robust backing, enhanced by co-production incentives from both Peru and Argentina’s INCAA. Filming took place in Buenos Aires in 2022, showcasing the vibrant city as a dynamic backdrop.

Challenges in the Argentine film industry

Piantanida openly discussed the challenges faced by filmmakers in Argentina under President Milei’s administration. The withdrawal of state support has hit the cultural sector hard, impacting not just cinema, but broader fields like science, education, and healthcare. Despite these hurdles, her determination to highlight marginalized perspectives remains unwavering.

A platform for cinematic dreams at Ventana Sur

Ventana Sur, a collaboration between Cannes’ Marché du Film and various Latin American film agencies, brings a platform for innovative cinema. The Roo de la Plata edition, held from December 2-6 in Montevideo, Uruguay, marks a significant shift from its traditional Buenos Aires location, promising fresh avenues for engagement.

Embracing genre conventions and beyond

All the Strength not only embraces but innovates genre conventions. With a narrative that transitions from crime investigation to fantasy, it remains anchored in deeply human issues. This blend provides a unique viewing experience, as Piantanida’s storytelling consistently prioritizes empathy and understanding.

Final reflections

Piantanida’s bold storytelling and her film’s participation in Ventana Sur exemplify the resilience and creativity of filmmakers who strive to tell important stories even amidst challenging circumstances. All the Strength is a testament to the power of cinema to reflect societal issues through compelling, supernatural narratives.

Let’s share this intriguing journey of All the Strength on social media and stay tuned for more updates on this exceptional slice of cinema.

For more on this film, explore it on Trailers.