Filmmaker Champions Untold Female Stories

Filmmaker Valentina Maurel makes her Cannes debut with "Forever Your Maternal Animal," a film selected for Un Certain Regard. The movie centers on Elsa, who returns to Costa Rica and reconnects with her sister as their parents focus on personal matters. Maurel expressed surprise at her selection, viewing it as a significant step for Latin American filmmakers, particularly women, at major festivals.

Maurel noted a shift in Latin American cinema, moving away from a sole focus on male violence and hardship. She believes this evolution allows for more diverse and engaging storytelling for both creators and audiences. Despite acknowledging progress, she pointed out the continued need for greater representation, especially with no Latin American films in Cannes' main competition this year.

The inspiration for "Maternal Animal" stemmed from Maurel's desire to explore a mother's character, a narrative not fully realized in her previous work. She aims to portray the challenges of balancing artistic pursuits with caregiving, a theme drawn from her own life. The film features Daniela Marín Navarro and Reinaldo Amien Gutiérrez, with veteran Mexican actress Marina de Tavira joining the cast.

Maurel emphasized her commitment to filming in Costa Rica, specifically in her childhood neighborhood in Zapote, San José province. She prioritized the local audience's connection to the setting, ensuring the film felt authentic to her homeland. Maurel also has a biopic about footballer Shirley Cruz in post-production.