‘The Maid’ Star Catalina Saavedra, Madre Board Malaga Buzz Project ‘A Decorous Woman’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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Chilean actress Catalina Saavedra, who won a Sundance Acting Special Jury Prize for “The Maid” and was nominated for a Film Independent Spirit Award for “Rotting in the Sun,” has been confirmed to star in Natalia Luque’s film “A Decorous Woman” (formerly known as “Señorita de Buena Presencia”). This project, produced by Chilean company Parina Films, is one of the most anticipated productions set to be presented at next week’s 2025 Malaga Festival Fund & Co-Production Event (MAFF).

In other updates, “A Decorous Woman,” produced at Parina Films under Rodrigo Díaz’s leadership, along with Tomsa Films from France, led by Thomas Lambert, has recently been added to Madre Content’s roster. Founded in 2023, Madre is a Latinx production company spearheaded by Francisca Alegría, a renowned Chilean filmmaker (“The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future”). With offices in Chile, Uruguay, and the United States, they have now joined the project.

Mother is set to co-produce the film “A Decorous Woman”, which has been awarded a grant from Chile’s Audiovisual Fund 2024 in their Feature Film Production category. This grant covers 30% of the film’s budget, as confirmed by Díaz to EbMaster.

Following her role in “The Maid,” Saavedra was subsequently cast alongside Tilda Swinton in Julio Torres’ debut at SXSW 2023, “Problemista,” which Emma Stone produced. Last year, she received a nomination for the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Performance in “Rotting in the Sun,” a film directed by Sebastián Silva, who also helmed “The Maid.

In “A Decorous Woman,” Saavedra takes on the role of Maria Marta, a 55-year-old hairdresser living in Chile who experiences deep solitude when her daughter emigrates overseas. To cope, she becomes engrossed in the chatter and anecdotes shared by her clients. However, once she learns that her daughter won’t be returning to Chile, she is compelled to abandon her daydreaming about others’ lives and discover comfort in unanticipated corners instead.

Díaz remarked about Catalina, ‘She’s an exceptional artist. Her ability to fully immerse herself in the roles she portrays is so profound that it seems as though the characters reside within her very being. This allows her to convey their emotions and life experiences in a way that transcends the screen, creating a powerful connection with the audience that isn’t easily replicated.’

He also noted that she’s an adaptable actress, effortlessly moving between drama and humor, which are crucial aspects of the movie and a significant part of Marta Maria’s journey,” he remarked.

The film ‘A Decorous Woman’ is Luque’s first feature, who is an alumnus of Columbia U and the BAFTA Newcomers Program. His 2023 short film about a village abortion in Chile titled ‘So They Say’ was screened at Palm Springs Shortfest, Telluride Film Festival, Hamptons Film Festival, and GuadaLAjara Film Festival, earning Jury Honors and Student Selects recognition at the Columbia Film Festival. It was also nominated for the BAFTA Yugo Student Awards and won the CCAS Prize last year at the Cinélatino, Rencontres de Toulouse.

In a conversation with EbMaster, Luque stated that the movie delves into the strong connections between women across different generations and their impact during a crucial point in the main character’s journey. This story unfolds within a hair salon, serving as a hub for gossip and tale-spinning, skillfully blending dramatic and comical aspects to reflect experiences that deeply resonate with women’s viewpoints.

According to Díaz, the movie takes viewers on an emotional exploration into the core of motherhood, with love and nurture at its core. The main character is faced with the challenge of dealing with loss and redefining her identity as a woman.

At the Mafiz Industry Forum in Malaga, Diaz and Luque plan on connecting with Spanish creators, foreign sales agents, distributors, and representatives from film funding entities.

Diaz expressed his passion for films and art that delve into the intricate worlds of women, particularly Natalia’s debut film which portrays a multifaceted character on a journey of self-exploration and self-understanding, transcending societal norms.

He mentioned that the movie serves as a prompt for viewers to ponder about the “gracious ladies” in our lives – our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and more, who have faced their life experiences being suppressed, with few chances for growth beyond the roles they are expected to play.

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2025-03-11 16:47