Natalia López Gallardo’s new film: ‘Only Love Exists’
A new chapter in contemporary drama
Acclaimed Mexican editor-turned-director Natalia López Gallardo is making waves once again with her upcoming feature, Only Love Exists. Following the success of her directorial debut, Robe of Gems, which clinched the Silver Bear Jury Prize at the Berlinale in 2022, López Gallardo is set to captivate audiences with a story that delves into the intertwining realms of digital and real life. This contemporary drama will be showcased at the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum during this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival.
The story of Teresa: A journey between two worlds
Only Love Exists centers on Teresa, a medical assistant who navigates the complexities of caring for patients while engaging with the fears and desires of others online. As Teresa becomes increasingly immersed in the virtual world, the boundaries between her digital and physical realities begin to blur. This narrative explores how her indulgence in online desires starts to encroach upon her real life, creating a compelling tension between the two dimensions.
After a near-death experience, Teresa’s awareness of the physical world sharpens, revealing a landscape where beauty and oppression coexist. Through her journey of caring for a friend, Teresa embarks on a path of salvation, discovering profound truths about herself and the world around her.
A unique narrative vision
López Gallardo not only directs but also penned the screenplay for Only Love Exists. She collaborates once again with her Robe of Gems producer, Fernanda de la Peza, known for her work on The Untamed and The Hole in the Fence. The film’s co-producers include Marie-Pierre Macia and Sacha Ben Haroche, adding a diverse and experienced team to the project.
Producer Fernanda de la Peza shared her thoughts on the film, highlighting its originality and relevance. She emphasized how the narrative places a character with an ancient profession into the context of modern technological capitalism, without a clear moral or legal framework. This juxtaposition aims to harness the power of cinema to explore and exalt the complexity of the human soul.
Production and collaboration
Only Love Exists is a collaborative effort between Mexico’s Cárcava Cine, de la Peza’s label, and Lobo en Medio de Lobos, with France’s MPM Premium and NousNous in the U.S. co-producing. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in the fall of 2025, promising a meticulous and thoughtful production process.
Founded in Mexico City in 2018, Cárcava Cine is dedicated to showcasing auteur and independent filmmaking. The company has achieved significant festival and awards success with films such as Lost in the Night by Amat Escalante, a Venice best director winner and three-time Mexican Academy nominee, and Joaquin del Paso’s The Hole in the Fence, a Venice Horizons player.
A deeper dive into the film’s themes
Only Love Exists is poised to be a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the digital age. The film’s narrative delves into the psychological and emotional impacts of living in a world where virtual interactions increasingly influence our real lives. Teresa’s journey reflects a broader societal shift, where the lines between online and offline experiences are becoming ever more blurred.
For cinema enthusiasts, this film offers a rich tapestry of themes to ponder. The interplay between technology and humanity, the search for meaning in a digitized world, and the enduring power of personal connections are all central to the story. López Gallardo’s direction promises to bring these themes to life with a nuanced and empathetic touch.
Anticipation and expectations
As we await the release of Only Love Exists, the anticipation is palpable. López Gallardo’s previous work has set a high bar, and this new project is expected to further cement her reputation as a visionary filmmaker. The film’s exploration of contemporary issues, combined with its compelling narrative and strong production team, makes it one to watch for in the coming years.
For those eager to get a glimpse of López Gallardo’s storytelling prowess, you can revisit her acclaimed debut, Robe of Gems, and immerse yourself in the world she creates. Stay tuned for more updates on Only Love Exists as it progresses through production and prepares to make its mark on the film festival circuit.
For more information and to watch the trailer for Robe of Gems, visit Robe of Gems.
For updates on Only Love Exists, keep an eye on the San Sebastian Film Festival’s official announcements and follow the latest news from Cárcava Cine.