Rodrigo Bellott's return to cinema recounts LGBT love story in conservative Bolivia
Record ID:
1427497
Rodrigo Bellott's return to cinema recounts LGBT love story in conservative Bolivia
- Title: Rodrigo Bellott's return to cinema recounts LGBT love story in conservative Bolivia
- Date: 17th August 2019
- Summary: LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (AUGUST 16, 2019) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DIRECTOR OF 'TU ME MANQUES', RODRIGO BELLOTT, SAYING: "The effect that the theatre production (of 'Tu Me Manques') had pushed me to make the movie and to continue what I am doing now with the Tu Me Manques Foundation. The day after I saw a number of people who posted stories of suicide, experiences of homophobia that they had experienced and then of families opening up, talking about something that had been very shameful and to know how important it is to acknowledge this in Latin America, for the approval of society. It was really eye-opening and opened up awareness."
- Embargoed: 31st August 2019 03:34
- Keywords: Rossy de Palma movie Bolivia film Rodrigo Bellott LGBT cinema Te Me Manques love
- Location: LA PAZ, BOLIVIA / UNIDENTIFIED LOCATION
- City: LA PAZ, BOLIVIA / UNIDENTIFIED LOCATION
- Country: Bolivia
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Film,Editors' Choice
- Reuters ID: LVA004ASLUA83
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Critically-acclaimed Bolivian auteur Rodrigo Bellott returns to the silverscreen with a film that recounts a love story between two gay men and a conservative father, testing social boundaries in the conservative South American nation.
'Tu Me Manques', or 'I Miss You' in English, is based on Bellott's own previous relationship, telling the story of a young Bolivian man who killed himself for fear of coming out. Adapted from Bellott's own play from the same name, the movie tackles themes such as issues of identity, norms in society and a father's inability to understand his son's sexuality.
This local Bolivian movie has already had a big impact internationally. Almodovar muse Rossy de Palma plays one of the central characters in the movie, part of it is set in New York and ahead of its release date in Bolivia it has already garnered international acclaim. In July, it was awarded the Grand Jury Price for Best Screenplay at the Los Angeles Outfest, a first for a Bolivian movie.
Bollett told Reuters that part of the motivation for his movie was telling a story which represents the reality of many in the LGBT community in Bolivia but which is rarely covered in the country. Looking to pay it forward with his film, Bellott has set up the Tu Me Manques Foundation, that seeks to support youth and suicide survivors through the arts in Bolivia.
'Tu Me Manques' will get make its Latin American debut in Santiago's International Film Festival before rolling out nationally in Bolivia on August 22. International release dates are expected to follow later in the year.
(Production: Monica Machicao, Paul Vieira) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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