Don’t You Let Me Go (Agarrame fuerte), the latest feature film from the celebrated Uruguayan directorial duo Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge (So Much Water), has been selected as Uruguay's official submission for Best International Feature at the 98th Oscars.
It had its world premiere in the International Narrative Competition at theTribeca Festival, where it won the Nora Ephron Award for its poignancy and life-affirming storytelling, and later received a nomination for Spain's Goya Awards for Best Ibero-American Film, further cementing its international acclaim.
Produced by Agustina Chiarino (Monos) and her production company Bocacha Films, Don't You Let Me Go features a predominantly female cast and crew and continues Chiarino's longstanding collaboration with Guevara and Jorge and underscoring the filmmakers' commitment to strong female voices both in front of and behind the camera.
The film follows Adela, 39, who is confronted with the sudden loss of her best friend, Elena. At Elena's funeral, Adela feels detached from the rituals, sensing the absurdity of bidding farewell to someone so dear. Overwhelmed by grief and the looming void in her future, Adela becomes an unexpected time traveler.
Transported to a decade earlier, Adela reunites with a vibrant Elena at a beach house, joined by their friend Luci and her baby boy Paco. Amidst the backdrop of laughter, music, and shared memories, the trio embarks on a weekend filled with joy and nostalgia. But as the inevitable goodbye approaches, Adela clings to the fleeting moments and the newfound sense of companionship.
What begins as a weekend of laughter, music, and shared memories turns into an extraordinary journey when baby Paco discovers a gateway that allows them to extend their time together. Amidst this timeless interlude, Adela finds solace, renewed connection, and a profound understanding of friendship and love.
Through evocative storytelling and nuanced performances from Chiara Hourcade, Victoria Jorge, and Eva Dans, Don’t You Let Me Go explores grief, memory, and the enduring bonds that define our lives. The film is both a captivating tale of timeless sisterhood and a beautifully affirming celebration of life, exemplifying the emotional depth and artistry of contemporary Uruguayan cinema.
