About
Writer-Director Jayro Bustamante has become one of the premiere voices in Latin American cinema since his debut feature Ixcanul shook the festival world and became Guatemala's official Oscar submission. His powerful sophomore film, Tremors, tackled homophobia in Central America and confirmed his status as an auteur filmmaker. His latest film, La Llorona continues to build on his great body of work.
With the words "If you cry, I'll kill you" ringing in their ears, Alma and her sons are murdered in Guatemala's armed conflict. Thirty years later, a criminal case is brought against Enrique, a retired general who oversaw the genocide. But he's acquitted through a mistrial and the spirit of La Llorona is unleashed to wander the world like a lost soul amongst the living. At night, Enrique starts to hear her wailing. His wife and daughter believe he's having bouts of Alzheimer's-related dementia. Little could they suspect that their new housekeeper, Alma, is there to mete out the vengeance the trial did not.
Mixing tragic Guatemalan history with Latin American legend, La Llorona elevates an old story to new heights of poignancy and relevance.
This screening is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and sponsored by FlixLatino, ViendoMovies Available with Xfinity and HBO.
