Empowering women (Mujeres Empoderadas) at the 2021 Spanish Film Festival
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Empowering Women—taking charge of their lives, finding their joy and their sense of humour.
International film festivals are a wonderful window on the world—especially as we aren’t travelling overseas just yet. But I got more than I bargained for with the two films I’ve seen at the 2021 Spanish Film Festival so far.
I became so invested in the stories of the women in them that I find myself still wondering about their lives after the final credits rolled.
The festival opened with Rosa’s Wedding (La Boda de Rosa)—and what a treat. Rosa will be immediately recognisable to so many women. She works hard for a boss she never says no to, she supports her friends, her boyfriend and her family who all ask a lot of her.
Even her neighbour, who is never seen, leaves explicit instructions on how to water each of her plants. She, like everyone else, assumes because Rosa does not have a husband, she has time to do their bidding.
Rosa spits the dummy, in her own quiet and non-confrontational way by quitting her job and simply driving away—to her childhood home by the sea. She starts to make plans for a new life that will begin when she has a ceremony in front of her family and friends.
She plans to marry herself, to make vows to herself on how her life will be from now on. Naturally, things do not go smoothly and there is a lot of laughter, sadness, home truths and joy.
I loved Rosa but I may actually have a full-on girl crush on all three leads in Wish List (La Lista de Los Deseos). This is a buddy/road trip film, but the buddies are women.
Eva has been diagnosed with breast cancer and meets a wonderfully vibrant woman at her first chemo session—Carmen—who has been down this road before.
Carmen convinces Eva to list three things she wants to do. Carmen will list hers as well and they will go on a road trip to fulfil them. Eva’s best friend, Mar, also comes with her broken heart and her own list.
They wind up in jail, in wigs, in Morocco. I don’t want to tell you too much about how they get there but I have never wanted to be on a road trip as much as I wanted to be on that one.
The women are changed by their adventure, but they also change the lives of people they meet. It is so life-affirming I wanted to punch the air. It is also hilarious, irreverent and there is a bit of chat about body parts that is so earthy and funny I don’t think anyone will be offended.
Both films are well made, and the scenery alone is worth the price of a ticket. Each and every character is well sketched out and each film has moments that delight.
If I had to pick a favourite though, I would watch Wish List again tomorrow! I have not laughed so much in a foreign film in a long time. The characters are relatable, and the humour is universal. Girls rule!
Roslyn saw these films as a guest of the Moro Spanish Film Festival.
