Simón by Diego Vicentini
A total of four films by five Venezuelan directors have been nominated at the 38th Goya Awards, presented by the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain: Upon Entry (La llegada) by Alejandro Rojas and Sebastián Vásquez, Simón by Diego Vicentini, Mamacruz by Patricia Ortega, and Mientras seas tú, el aquí y ahora de Carme Elias by Claudia Pinto.
Upon Entry, the debut feature by Rojas and Vásquez was nominated for three Goya Awards: Best New Director, Best Screenplay, and its protagonist Argentine-Spanish Alberto Ammann for Best Actor. The film had its world premiere at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival last November, and had its North American premiere at the SXSW Film Festival last March.
Upon Entry tells the story of Diego, a Venezuelan urbanist, and Elena, a contemporary dancer from Barcelona, who move to the United States with their approved visas to start a new life. Their intention is to boost their professional careers and start a family in 'the land of opportunities.' But upon entering Newark airport’s immigration area, they are taken to the secondary inspection room, where border officers will subject them to an unpleasant inspection process and a psychologically grueling interrogation. Over the next few hours, the fate of Elena, Diego and their dreams is called into question as the officers interviewing them try to discover whether the couple may have something to hide, thus jeopardizing their entry.
Vicentini’s drama Simón was nominated for Best Ibero-American Film. The film tells the riveting and heartfelt story about a young freedom fighter who escapes the clutches of the Venezuelan regime to Miami, where he now battles his trauma and guilt as he attempts to achieve political asylum before he is forcibly sent back home. The film was the winner of the Grand Prize at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.
Ortega’s third feature Mamacruz was nominated for the Goya for Best Editing. The Spanish-Venezuelan dramedy, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of a religious grandmother who learns how to use the internet. When she accidentally comes across pornography, she is faced with a dilemma.
And Pinto’s Mientras seas tú, el aquí y ahora de Carme Elias was nominated for Best Documentary. The film follows the story of veteran actress Carme Elias, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago. Her friend and director Pinto, decided to shoot their third and last film together. What begins as a secret and unpretentious film ends up becoming a forceful invitation to live in the present, a pact of love and friendship.
The winners of the 38th edition of the Goya Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Valladolid on February 10, 2024.
