Although not autobiographical, Costa Rican Kim Torres’ feature debut, “If We Don’t Burn, How Do We Light Up the Night” (“si no ademos, cómoiluminarla noche”) is rooted in childhood experiences. It draws inspiration from her early childhood in rural Costa Rica, when she began to recognize the specific dynamics of the village and better recognize the dangers lurking in this idyllic environment.
“My films have something to do with the transition to adulthood and understanding the violence we experience in Latin America and around the world. It’s something that’s much more present in Latin America than elsewhere,” she tells Variety.
Her adult drama, which debuted in the world in the sidebar, the new director of the San Sebastian Film Festival, follows 13-year-old Laura, and feels suffocating with her new family. As she begins to adapt to her new environment surrounded by lush forests and palm plantations, she learns that the village is hiding the shadowy secret that preys on the women within it.
The trailer, which debuts exclusively on Variety, ends up arriving in the village with the mother whom Laura took him to live with her, her boyfriend and her young daughter.
According to Torres, the title is inspired by the line of poems in the poem “Kelem Gibi” by Turkish poet Naz Hikmet. “In the film, we rethink its original meaning in the poem, and consider the burning light as a shining light through pain. We praise all those who are not with us, and an eternal love that never fades away and endures,” she explains.
Her debut feature is, in a way, an extension of her previous short films, exploring her childhood and adolescence. “There is always a subtle change in reality in reality. They are never completely rooted in the real world. In this case, there are always things that feel a bit off, like a mysterious and almost legendary aspect,” she points out.
Her short “Night Light” (2022) became the first Costa Rican film to be nominated for a Palme d’Or at Cannes. Her work was presented at NYFF, Locarno, San Sebastián, Moma, Lincoln Center and The Eye Film Museum.
“While making this film, I was drawn to the lightness of childhood, joys of play, kindness of love, and a silly bond of friendship. At the same time, I wanted to capture the weight carried by a girl standing at the threshold between childhood and adulthood. Spirit,” Torres said.
The three young girls are non-pro, discovered by Torres, who was found along with casting director Kim Picado. The casting process focuses on the depth of selection, not on the amount of applicants, she recalls.
“From the start, we pre-selected candidates, but once we had the group, the actual work began: much more detailed casting and rehearsals, and it was about creating connections between the actors: Torres.
The three young non-pros are Lala Yuja Mora, who plays Laura, Kierin Delgado Ala Araudas (Daniela) and Valentina Chavez Zimenez (Gabee).
The rest of the cast are Michelle Jones, Theresa Sanchez, Juan Luis Araya, Gabriel Guzman Rodriguez and Luis Carlos Canhoto Baptista da Silva.
The script is co-written by Torres and Luisa Mora Fernandez.
“If We Don’t Burn…” is produced by Nosh Negra Plod of Alejandra Vargas Carvalo of Costa Rica. Alongside tropical film co-producer Mariana Monroy, Mexico and Camille Ferrero are French Les Films du Clan.
The 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival began on September 19th and was rapped off on September 27th.
If we don’t burn, how will we light up the night courtesy of Nosh Negra Plod?
