Argentine Film Festival to screen remastered classics

Good news to cinephiles — the Argentine Film Festival returns to the Philippines after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Known for screening top-quality works, the festival will feature remastered Argentine classics from 18 to 21 November at Red Carpet Cinema, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong.

In the lineup are five restored classic films from the 1980s, '90s, and 2000s, spanning genres from dark comedy and social drama to romantic comedy.

'Elsa y Fred' / 'Elsa and Fred' (2005)

This award-winning film created by Marcos Carnevale revolves around two people who, at their mature age, discover it's never too late to love or to dream. Their encounter will transform their lives.

'Un lugar en el mundo' / 'A Place in the World' (1992)

This drama, produced and directed by Adolfo Aristarain, tackles the plight of Mario and Ana, who go on voluntary exile from Buenos Aires and live in a remote Argentine valley with their 12-year-old son Ernesto.

Into this idealistic family comes Hans, a jaded Spanish geological engineer surveying the land for the local patron, to see if it can be dammed for hydroelectric power, but which will drive the peasants from the land into the cities.

'Roma' (2004)

Joaquin Goñez, a novelist in his 60s, recalls his emotions, his wild years in Buenos Aires, the memory of old friends, the meaning of loyalty, and his intimate relationship with his mother Roma.

'Esperando La Carroza' / 'Waiting for the hearse' (1985)

Mama Cora, a woman in her 80s, causes disturbance in her elder son's home. The son's wife wants Mama Cora out of the house. Mamå Cora tries to help, but unfortunately, everything she does, she does it wrongly.

'Agua' / 'Water' (2006)

Thirty-four-year-old Goyo, a former open-water swimming champion, is in hiding. Accused of doping in the Santa FeCoronda Marathon, a 57-kilometer river swim, he abandons his career and his dreams. Eight years later, Goyo returns to Santa Fe, where the marathon will be held again, to try to regain his title and clear his name.

Now on its sixth year, the Argentine Film Festival screens with English subtitles. Filipino viewers will learn about Argentine history, culture, and family life.

The Argentine Film Festival is presented by the Embassy of Argentina, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and Shangri-La Plaza.