Inspired by the true story that sparked a global movement, Dolores Fonzie’s second director outing, “Belém,” speaks to the powerful case of a young woman incarcerated for miscarriage and Soledad Deza (played by Fonzie), a terrifying lawyer who takes on this controversial high score.
“Belén” behind the Oscar-nominated studio behind “Wild Tales” and Netflix Global Hit “The Eternaut” produced by K&S Films, “Belén” takes place in Tucumán, a traditionally conservative state in Argentina. The Belem case and other similar cases affected the reproductive rights laws of women in Argentine.
As Soledad fights legal systems full of corruption, inequality and patriarchal values, Julieta’s case ignites a wave of rage and solidarity, creating a powerful movement that demands justice. To this day, she is called Belem to remain anonymous.
Based on Ana Correa’s book, We Are Belén, this fascinating legal drama aims to keenly prosecute systemic fraud and tribute to resilience and sisters.
Courtesy of Belén by Dolores Fonzi, K&S Films
The way Fonji made the project her own came in years ago when the move to release Belem was in full swing.
“In addition to being an actress, I was a human rights activist for a while. I learned about Belem, a young woman who was jailed for having a miscarriage. When I went to receive the award, I brought up a sign saying, “Belem’s freedom.”
According to Fonji, at the awards that night, the film producer began to ask about the Belem incident. Soon, this same producer purchased the rights to a recent book about Belem’s story and commissioned the script. Fonji already has his mind in mind playing a lawyer.
The producer turns out to be Leticia Christie from K&S films. “Leticia came to me and offered me the opportunity to direct and write the film, and I couldn’t say no – it was a project tailored to me. I’d already been following the Belem case for a long time.
“So, yes, it was a commissioned film, but at the same time, it felt like I was from the start, so it feels deeply and personally,” she adds.
This is Fonji’s second film she directed in San Sebastian. Her director’s distinctive debut, “Blondie,” produced by Santiago Miter and Agustina Lalmi Campbell’s La Union de Los Rios, also had a world premiere at the fest. They are both competing for San Sebastian’s highest honor, Golden Shell.
“San Sebastian is a festival that fits the issues of Latin America very well. They’re engaged and really interested. Festival director Jose Luis Levoldinos was a major supporter of Argentine film in general.
Asked how she would direct herself, Fonji replies: “I have a team that supports me, and I have a friend, Ezekiel Diaz, who is like my voice and eye set. So, aside from having a great team, I rely on his careful support.
Meanwhile, Fonji works non-stop as an actor. “I hadn’t taken a break in two years. I made a film in Italy, rewritten the script, then worked on the ‘Spirit House’ in Chile, then I came back and made this film, then went back to Chile.
“Belém” World will premiere at the festival on September 23rd. San Sebastian kicked off on September 19th and rapped on September 27th.
