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Bolivian cinema shines: ‘The Strange Woman’ and its journey
A new chapter for Bolivian filmmaker Martin Boulocq
Bolivian filmmaker Martin Boulocq is making waves again with his latest project, “The Strange Woman” (“La Mujer Extraña”). This drama, currently in development, is set to participate in the upcoming San Sebastian Film Festival Co-Production Forum. The film has recently secured a significant co-production partner, Uruguay’s Cimarrón Cine, which has been part of the Mediapro Studio since 2023.
A fruitful collaboration
This partnership marks the second time Cimarrón Cine has backed a Boulocq film. In 2022, they co-produced “The Visitor” (“El Visitante”), a gripping narrative about an ex-convict striving to reconnect with his young daughter. The film won the Best Screenplay award at the Tribeca Film Festival, showcasing Boulocq’s talent for storytelling.
Cimarrón Cine is one of Uruguay’s leading production companies, known for its work on Oscar-nominated “Society of the Snow” and the acclaimed Prime Video series “Iosi, the Regretful Spy”. Their collaboration with Boulocq promises to bring a unique and compelling story to the screen.
The plot of ‘The Strange Woman’
“The Strange Woman” is set in a future Bolivia, a nation torn apart by a war over lithium, a crucial component in electric vehicles and smartphones. The story follows a Quechua teenager who decides to become a surrogate mother in a desperate attempt to escape poverty. Her decision sparks a family conflict against a backdrop of social upheaval.
Boulocq explains, “Historically, Bolivia has been a target of hegemonic powers due to its abundant natural resources. Today, lithium, coveted globally for battery production, places Bolivia in the spotlight as it holds the world’s largest reserves.”
A deeper exploration of sociopolitical themes
Boulocq aims to delve into how sociopolitical contexts influence family relationships and shape emotional bonds. By blending family drama with science fiction from a Southern perspective, he draws a parallel between the exploitation of land and the exploitation of bodies. This film serves as a meditation on resistance and the impact of global forces on the intimacy of everyday life.
The film’s development has been robust, with participation in the Open Doors Script Consultancy and Br Lab last year. It has also secured funding from the regional entity Ibermedia.
A unique perspective from Andrea Camponovo
Andrea Camponovo, co-producer and a key figure at CQ Films, emphasizes the importance of telling stories from Bolivia that feature women as protagonists. “As a Bolivian woman, I see the urgent need to tell stories from my country that feature women as protagonists. I also recognize the importance of honoring our Indigenous roots in these women’s stories,” she says.
Camponovo adds, “In this sense, ‘The Strange Woman’ is a very unique and special proposal. Martín has shown with his previous films that he possesses the sensitivity and honesty necessary to tackle a challenge like the one he is proposing now. This is the fifth project we are working on with Martín at CQ Films.”
CQ Films: A legacy of storytelling
Founded in 2009, CQ Films has a rich history of showcasing their work at major film festivals and screening in theaters and museums across Latin America, Europe, and North America. Boulocq’s latest project in post-production, “Criminal Body”, was selected as a Spotlighted Project at the Marché du Film’s Cannes Doc and participates in the WIP program of Sanfic Industria, the industry section of the Santiago International Film Festival.
Looking ahead to San Sebastian
The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival, taking place from September 20-28, will be a significant platform for “The Strange Woman”. This event will undoubtedly provide an opportunity for the film to gain international attention and further establish Boulocq as a prominent voice in global cinema.
For those eager to dive deeper into Boulocq’s work, you can watch the trailer for “The Visitor” here and explore more about “The Strange Woman” here.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the exciting developments in Bolivian cinema, highlighting the collaborative efforts and the profound themes explored in “The Strange Woman”. For cinema enthusiasts, this film promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the global film landscape.
