Power Alley by Lila Hallah (top) and The Settlers by Felipe Gálvez
Two Latin American films were just announced winners of the Film Critics Awards presented by FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics): the Chilean film The Settlers / Los colonos by Felipe Gálvez in the Un Certain Regard Competition, and the Brazilian drama Power Alley / Levante by Lillah Halla, for best first feature in any of the parallel sections at Cannes.
Set at the end of the 19th century in southern Chile, Gálvez’s debut feature is a western about three horsemen who are hired by a rich landowner to mark out the perimeter of his expansive property. The expedition, composed of a young Chilean native, an American mercenary, and led by a reckless British lieutenant, soon turns into a “civilizing” raid.
In a written statement, the jury decided to give the award to The Settlers “due to its skillful storytelling, which sheds light on significant and often overlooked socio-political conflicts inherent in the history of Latin American colonization, and it’s distinct approach to its theme through its filmmaking style.”
The debut feature by Halla, follows promising volleyball player Sofia (17), who on the eve of a future-defining championship, is faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Seeking an illegal termination, she becomes the target of a fundamentalist group determined to stop her at any cost—but neither Sofia nor those who love her are willing to surrender to the blind fervor of the swarm.
“Combined with compelling performances, vibrant editing, engaging music and a thrilling narrative, this film is making the point that abortion rights are human rights,” the jury said.
The 76th edition of the Cannes Festival took place May 16-23.
