The Paraguayan film The Heiresses / Las herederas, the debut feature by Marcelo Martinessi, was the winner of the grand prize in the international competition at the 19th edition of the Jeonju Film Festival, South Korea's second largest film festival. The award comes with a cash prize of $18,600.
The film, which won the Alfred Bauer Silver Bear and the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlinale, follows Chela and Chiquita, who both descended from wealthy families in Asunción, Paraguay, and have been together for over 30 years. Their financial situation has recently 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.
The 19th edition of the Jeonju Film Festival took place May 3-12 in South Korea.
