Amanece (film)

Amanece is a 2023 Spanish drama film written and directed by Juan Francisco Viruega (in his directorial debut feature) which stars Aura Garrido, Iria del Río, and Isabel Ampudia.

Plot
After ending a relationship with her significant other, Alba returns home, a place where she left her younger sister and her mother, now very ill.

Production
The film is an Amanece Audiovisual AIE, Juan Francisco Viruega, and Factoría de Creación production, with the participation of Canal Sur and backing from Diputación de Almería, Almería International Film Festival, Escuela Universitaria de Artes TAI, Mubox Studio and La Pañoleta Films. Shooting locations in the province of Almería included the Tabernas Desert and the Cabo de Gata.

Release
The film had its world premiere in the 'Made in Spain' programme of the 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival on 28 September 2023. Distributed by Syldavia Cinema, it was released theatrically in Spain on 17 November 2023.

Reception
Ekaitz Ortega of HobbyConsolas rated the film with 63 points ('acceptable'), citing to be performances, the cinematography, and its ambition as hallmarks while citing punctual writing issues and the film's pace as its worst.

Manuel J. Lombardo of Diario de Sevilla rated the film with 2 stars, writing that the helmer's search for "lyricism and the symbolism of maternal-filial bonds" is not always [adequately] accompanied by the "performances and the somewhat pretentious, overbearing and transcendental tone".

Oti Rodríguez Marchante of ABC rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, stressing that, rather than the story itself, the really essential bits about the film are the way it tells it and the excellent presence and performances delivered by Garrido, del Río, and the "impressive" Isabel Ampudia.

Accolades

 * 2024 || 3rd Carmen Awards || Best Supporting Actor || Sebastián Haro || Nominated ||
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