Chile' ‘76, the debut feature by Manuela Martelli, had a solid opening in the United States, ranking number one in the specialized box office for independent and foreign films. The Chilean thriller released by Kino Lorber earned $16,038 from its two engagements at Film at Lincoln Center and the IFC Center in New York City for a per theater average of $8,019.
Set during the early days of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship, Chile ‘76 builds from quiet character study to gripping suspense thriller as it explores one woman’s precarious flirtation with political engagement. Carmen (Aline Kuppenheim) leads a sheltered upper middle class existence. She heads to her summer house in the off-season to supervise its renovation, while also performing local charitable works through her church. Her husband, children, and grandchildren come back and forth during the winter vacation, bringing reminders of the world beyond.
When the family priest asks her to take care of an injured young man he has been sheltering in secret, Carmen is inadvertently drawn into the world of the Chilean political opposition and must face real-world threats she is unprepared to handle, with potentially disastrous consequences for her and her entire family.
The film had its world premiere at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, and has played at numerous international film festivals. Chile ‘76 expands to Los Angeles and other U.S. cities on Friday, May 19.
