07/11/2005

After the three major prizes won in the Spanish Film Festival of Toulouse (Cinespaña), Roma continues its tour of the Spanish thematic film festivals of Europe. Screening yesterday in competition at the FestCEAL, the Spanish-Argentinean co-production, directed by Adolfo Aristarain, is a story about the love for literature and about a mother's love for her son.

Written by Aristarain himself in collaboration with Mario Camus and Katy Saavedra, the script shows a few chronological gaps, ironically described by one of the characters as "an amazing power of synthesis". Roma follows Joaquín Góñez's childhood and youth in Buenos Aires until he moves to Spain and becomes a writer, in the early 70's. Nowadays he is an old author, helped by a journalist student (Manuel Cueto) in the writing of his autobiography. Manuel plunges into Joaquín's memories, where his mother, Roma, emerges as a symbol of tolerance and infinity understanding. To love is to learn to let go and she does not hesitate in pushing her son further, despite all the financial problems.

Juan Diego Botto plays both the journalist and Joaquín as a young man. This enables the 30 year old actor to explore different registers, swinging between a shy insecurity and an unsettled soul in search of itself. But it is Susu Pecoraro who steals the scene. In full command of her dramatic faculties, the Argentinean actress delivers a serene performance, barely allowing melancholy to come between her and the young, lost Joaquín.

Produced by Tesela P.C. and Aristarian P.C., Roma received four Goya nominations: Best Film, Best director, Best screenplay and Best Cinematography. Sogepag handles the international sales.