With video – Switzerland Oscar submission: film exploring family, migration issues

Posted by Elena del Valle on December 11, 2024

This article was created without AI-assisted technologies.

Reinas poster

Photos, video: Outsider Pictures

A 2024 Spanish language film from Switzerland, Peru and Spain Reinas is this year’s Switzerland’s International Film Oscar submission. Set in 1990s Peru the 105-minute film with English subtitles* centers around two sisters and their divorced parents. Driven by a deteriorating political and financial situation in her country Elena (Jimena Lindo) plans to move to Minnesota with Lucia and Aurora, her daughters. In order for them to leave the country Carlos, their absentee father, must sign exit papers. Complications arise as departure time approaches. Scroll down to view a trailer.

Scene from Reinas

Scene from Reinas with Carlos, Lucia and Aurora

Excellent acting, attention to detail and a credible setting (for someone who has never visited 1990s Peru) made the story immersive. The film received the following recognitions: Winner Best Director, Berlin – Grand Prix, Generations; Winner Audience Award at the Locarno Film Festival; and Official Selection at Sundance. Also starring are Abril Gjurinovic, Gonzalo Molina, Luana Vega and Susi Sanchez. According to promotional materials Klaudia Reynicke-Candeloro, the director, grew up in Lima. The script was by Reynicke-Candeloro and Diego Vega. The producers were Britta Rindelaub, Diego Vega, Valerie Delpierre, Thomas Reichlin and Daniel Vega.

Scene from Reinas with Elena, Lucia and Aurora

Support for the film was from Sundance, Alva Film, Inicia Films, Maretazo Cine, RTS Radio Television Suisse. It was sponsored by Switzerland, Spain, CineForum, Loterie Romande, Department of Culture of Catalunya and Peru among others. Reinas opened in Los Angeles and New York City theaters last month. According to a press release it will be available for online rental and purchase in Spring 2025.