Although it is not autobiographical, the first feature by Kim Torres by Kim Torres “If we are not burning, how are we the night” (“If no ardos, Cómo Iluminar la Noche”) is rooted in his childhood experiences. He was inspired by her first years in the Rural Costa of Costa where she began to perceive certain dynamics in the village and became more aware of the dangers hidden in this idyllic setting.
“My film has to do with this transition to adulthood and understand the violence we feel in Latin America and around the world. This is something that is very present in Latin America, more than in other places, ”she says Variety.
His drama of transition to adulthood, which will be presented as a world premiere in the new side bar of San Sebastian Film Festival, follows Laura, 13, who feels suffocated in her new family. While she is starting to adapt to her new environment, surrounded by green forests and palm plantations, she discovers that the village hides a dark secret that attacks women.
His trailer, making his debut exclusively in Variety, Open to the arrival of Laura to the village with her mother who took Laura to live with her and her boyfriend and her young daughters.
According to Torres, the title is inspired by a line of the poem “Kerem Gibi” by Turkish poet Nâzım Hikmet. “In the film, we reinvent its original meaning within the poem and see the burn as a light that shines through pain. An eternal love that does not fade and never deviates, honoring all those who are no longer with us, ”she explains.
His first feature film is in a way an extension of his previous short films, which also explore childhood and adolescence. “In them, there is always a subtle change in reality – it is never completely anchored in the real world. There is always something that feels slightly turned off, as in this case, it is the mysterious, almost legendary aspect, ”she notes.
His short “night light” (2022) became the first nominated Costaorian film for a Palme d’Or in Cannes. His works were presented in Nyff, Locarno, San Sebastián, Moma, Lincoln Center and the Musey Museum.
“By making this film, I was attracted by the lightness of childhood – the joy of the game, the tenderness of love, the quiet links of friendship. Spirit, ”says Torres.
The three young girls are non-prints that Torres found with its casting director Kim Picado, who was also an acting coach. The casting process has been concentrated not so much on the volume of candidates, but on the depth of the selection, she remembers.
“From the start, we made a preselection of candidates, but once we had a group, the real work began – much more casting and rehearsal. Torres.
The three non-pros young people are Lara Yuja Mora, who plays Laura, Keylin Delgado ArguMenteas (Daniela) and Valentina Chaves Jimenez (Gaby).
The rest of the distribution is Michelle Jones, Teresa Sánchez, Juan Luis Araya, Gabriel Guzmán Rodríguez and Luis Carlos Canhoto Baptista da Silva.
The scenario is co-baby by Torres and Luisa Mora Fernández.
“If we are not burning …” is produced by Alejandra Vargas Costa of Costa Rica de Noche Negra Prods. Alongside co -producers Mariana Monroy of Tropical Films, Mexico Camille and Camille Ferrero of Les Films du Clan, France.
The 73RD The San Sebastian Film Festival began on September 19 and is wrapped on September 27.
If we are not burning, how are we the night, graceful of Noche Negra Prods.
