International Feature Films
Spain, 2022, 120 min
Director:
Pilar Palomero
Language and Subtitles:
Spanish, Subtitles in English and Hebrew
Cast:
Carla Quílez, Ángela Cervantes
Production:
Festivals:
San Sebastian FF, Stockholm FF, Brussels International FF, Chicago International FF, Toulouse Cinespana:
Prizes:
Silver Shell Award for Best Leading Performance, Honrary Mention; Toulouse Cinespana, Best Cinematography, Best Sound design, Student Jury Award, Best First Film
La Maternal
In a remote Spanish town, 14-year-old Carla spends her time vandalizing together with her boyfriend. After breaking into and wrecking a house, a social worker arrives in Calra’s home and tells her she is five months pregnant. In a foster home for young mothers, Carla tries to prepare for adult living without losing her youth. With an expressive and often unappealing main character, the film shifts between the narrative and documentary, with actors who are teenage mothers in real life. This sensitive film avoids sentimentality and morality, and takes a hard look on teenage motherhood.