Clara Sola, the debut feature by Nathalie Álvarez Mesén, has been announced today as Costa Rica’s official submission for International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. The film had its world premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival last July, where it generated critical acclaim.
The film starring Wendy Chinchilla Araya, Daniel Castañeda Rincón, Ana Julia Porras Espinoza, and Flor María Vargas Chaves, tells the story of Clara, 40, who is believed to have a special connection to God. As a "healer", she sustains a family and a village in need of hope, while she finds solace in her relationship with the natural world. After years of being controlled by her mother’s repressive care, Clara’s sexual desires are stirred by her attraction to her niece’s new boyfriend. This newly awakened force takes Clara to unexplored territory, allowing her to cross boundaries, both physical and mystical. Empowered by her self-discovery, Clara gradually frees herself from her role as “saint” and begins to heal herself.
Distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories has picked the U.S. rights for the film, and will give it a theatrical run in the next few months. This marks the tenth time that the Central American country has submitted an Oscar candidate, but it has not yet nabbed a nomination.
