Galway Film Society

Undertown

Dir: Javier-Fuentes Loen - Peru 2009 - 100 mins

Miguel lives in a small picturesque village on the coast of Peru where he works as a fisherman supporting his expectant wife, Mariela. The two are seemingly happy and in love, but what Mariela doesn’t know is that when Miguel leaves to allegedly repair fishing nets, he is really going to see Santiago, with whom he has been having a long-lasting affair. No one truly knows what happened when Santiago suddenly disappears. But Miguel knows the truth — Santiago has drowned, to come back as a spirit that only he can see. When local gossip forces Miguel to confront the truth, he must decide whether to move forward with his life or help Santiago’s soul find peace. A lyrically beautiful film, Undertow manages to depict a great and complicated love affair amidst macho Latino culture in a creative way; it is no wonder that this film was honoured with an Audience Award at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Noted for its breath taking views of Peru’s seaside and its organic performances, Undertow is a brave and startling work.

Winner - Audience Award, Sundance Film Festival 2010
Winner - Audience Award, Miami Film Festival 2010
Winner - Sebastian Award, San Sebastian International Film Festival 2009
Winner – Best First Feature, Galway Film Fleadh 2010