Paraguay has announced today the selection of Marcelo Martinessi's acclaimed debut feature The Heiresses / Las herederas as its Oscar contender. The film, which will also represent the South American nation at Mexico's Ariel Awards and Spain's Goya Awards, becomes the third Paraguayan Academy entry after Cloudy Times in 2015 and last year's The Gold Seekers. The Heiresses had its world premiere at the last edition of the Berlin Film Festival where it won two Silver Bear awards, the Alfred Bauer Prize and for Best Actress.
The film tells the story of Chela and Chiquita, both of whom descended from wealthy families in Asunción, Paraguay and have been together for over 30 years. But recently their financial situation has worsened and they begin selling off their inherited possessions. But when their debts lead to Chiquita being imprisoned on fraud charges, Chela is forced to face a new reality.
Driving for the first time in years, she begins to provide a local taxi service to a group of elderly wealthy ladies. As Chela settles into her new life, she encounters the much younger Angy, forging a fresh and invigorating new connection. Chela finally begins to break out of her shell and engage with the world, embarking on her own personal, intimate revolution.
