Chilean Star Castro Tackles Grief in TIFF Premiere

Alfredo Castro, known for his dramatic roles, is taking on a new register in Shawn Garry's dark family comedy, "After Elena." The film is set to world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 11. Produced by Gabriela Sandoval's label Cine Matriz, the movie also features Nicolás Zárate, Carola Varleta, and Guilherme Sepúlveda.

Catalina Saavedra, an award-winner for her performance in "The Maid," has a small but crucial role. The narrative centers on Roberto, a 70-year-old widower whose quiet life is upended when his three adult children, facing their own crises, move back home. This reunion brings old wounds and hidden secrets to the surface.

"After Elena" tackles profound themes of old age, death, grief, and family trauma, but through a lens of dark humor and absurdity. Director Shawn Garry's sophomore feature, co-written with Bernardo Quesney and Carla Stagno, is a multi-country co-production involving partners from Colombia, Italy, and other entities.