The 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival will open on September 19th with the Argentine fact-based drama “27 Nights” (27 Noches). It stars Daniel Hendler (“The Lost Embrace”).
It is also an original production of Netflix. This explains why the film was born when Argentinean cinema sees the light as a result of the country’s new right-wing regime after last year’s predictions.
Based on the novel that bears the name Natalia Ziet, “27 Nights” is inspired by true stories, and follows Martha Hoffman (played by Maril Marini), an eccentric and extremely wealthy patriarch whose two daughters unexpectedly commit to a psychiatric clinic. Called as an expert witness, Dr. Casares (Hendler) must decide whether this is a calculated attempt to seize control of her mother’s property, or whether Martha is seriously suffering from the form of dementia that poses a risk to herself and those around her. Her case and other similarities led to significant changes in Argentine mental health law.
One of the producers is Santiago Miter, who directed, co-written and co-produced the Oscar-nominated 1985. His partner is Agustina llambi-campbell, their shingle la Union de los rios, and is also the producer of this local drama.
Most importantly, it is the first production on Netflix. This highlights the streaming platform has become a lifeline for Argentina’s plagued film industry. It will begin streaming worldwide on the platform by October 17th.
“The Argentine government has completely ignored the national film law and chose not to support what the law clearly requires – promotion of Argentine films. Luckily, there are still companies and streaming platforms that continue to understand the value and importance of our films. Netflix productions, and they have given us great creative freedom to make the films we wanted,” he added.
He pointed out that it was another Argentinean photography world premiered at the Fest. Actress Dolores Fonji’s “Belem” is backed by Amazon MGM Studios.
“The Argentinian films on display at San Sebastian this year are either platform originals like us or Fonji, or projects developed under previous administrations. In almost two years, this government has not supported a single Argentinian film through public funding. It’s not zero.”
“That’s what happens when you have an immature president,” Miter struggled.
According to Miter, they developed a “27 Night” script with writers’ teams, Martin Moregui, Agustina Liendo and Hendler. “Together, we were able to bring this film to life. I think it’s beautiful – delicate, quietly fun, full of emotional details. When so many films were leaning towards sight and sensationalism, this focuses on the small moments, the subtlety of human connections.
“At the same time, the film has a political side, even modest. It cannot be linked to the current dramatic political situation in Argentina. Every Wednesday we see the nation suppressing older people who demand better living conditions.
Look out for Llambi-Campbell: “Inflation is stable – it is the only positive indicator of the negative. Argentina has become very expensive. Filming in Argentina is very expensive. Living in Buenos Aires, especially in particular, is becoming more and more difficult.
“We can talk about politics through what’s going on in the film industry. As some say inflation has stabilized or reduced slightly, the real problem is:
The film came together quite quickly, with major photography held in Buenos Aires in January and February of this year. “I was a year ago, we were still sewing the script together. We didn’t have a final version yet. And now we’re publishing a film in San Sebastian. Honestly, everything happened really quickly,” says Llambi-Campbell.
“It’s great to see our work being featured in such an honorable space that honors Argentinian cinema in such a way that we are truly blessed and appreciated,” agreed Miter.
He pointed out that his relationship with the festival took place several years ago and won three awards from his second film, “Paulina.” “Argentina, 1985” won the Audience Award and Fonji’s directorial debut feature, “Blondi.”
“So, now we’re opening a festival because the producers are such an honor and pride we’re filling us with. We’re deeply grateful to (Festival Director) Joselis Lebordinos and the entire programming team,” he said.
27 night credits: Joe Econnen
