Argentina’s Natalia Smirnoff to Direct ‘(Im)perfect Mom,’ Inspired by Penguin Random House Bestseller (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for stories that delve deep into human emotions and experiences, I am thrilled to learn about Natalia Smirnoff‘s latest project, “(Im)perfect Mom.” Having had my own share of life’s ups and downs, I can relate to the struggles portrayed in this film, making it even more intriguing for me.


Director Natalia Smirnoff from Argentina, known for her films “Puzzle” which was a contender at the 2010 Berlin Main Competition and “Lock Charmer,” chosen for the 2014 Sundance Festival, has been assigned to direct an international co-production project titled “(Im)perfect Mom” or “Mamá (Im)perfecta.

The teams from Laberinto Producciones (Colombia) and Ganas Producciones (Colombia) collaborate with Tarea Fina (Argentina) and Fait Divers Media (Canada) on the project.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that a movie titled “(Im)perfect Mom,” set for filming in May 2025, has been in the works. This captivating production is drawn from the gripping memoir “Drunk Mom: A Memoir” by Jowita Bydlowska, a remarkable author of Polish descent who penned this heartfelt tale.

The narrative centers around Jo, a 42-year-old, accomplished photographer, as she welcomes her first baby into the world. Amidst the daze of motherhood, nursing, and feeling the body’s transformations, she rejoices with her spouse and companions over this life-defining moment, the most significant event in her existence.

Although she found immense joy in motherhood, her very first taste of alcohol sparked a compulsion inside her that soon spiraled out of control. This insidious addiction began to consume her, leading to an internal battle: balancing her maternal duties, strengthening herself, and preventing the rest of her life from crumbling.

At the Co-Production and Financing Forum of Iberseries & Platino Industria’s fourth edition, the producers of “(Im)perfect Moms” have recently sealed a distribution agreement for Latin America with Elba McAllister’s Cineplex.

In this endeavor, Colombian author, actress, and producer Marcela Mar (known for “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “Besieged”) collaborates with Diana Camargo from Laberinto Productions (responsible for “Abducted” and “Before the Storm”), Juan Pablo Miller from Tarea Fina, and Arantza Maldonado of Montreal-based Fait Divers Media (associated with “Havana, from on High”).

As a cinephile, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is for this film to be seen. It mirrors our experiences, offering solace in the isolating journey of postpartum birth. Moreover, it serves as an enduring testament, providing a roadmap for psychosocial care that’s essential for mothers and families grappling with postpartum depression or addictions.

In this film, I found myself sharing the screen with the talented Spanish-Argentine actor Ernesto Alterio, who you might recognize from “Santa Evita,” “Narcos: México,” or “Ventajas de viajar en tren.” Together with me, Mar and Ernesto co-led the cast. Additionally, Mar collaborated on the scriptwriting process with Smirnoff and Gloria Nancy Monsalve, who have previously worked together on “Torah Tropical.

Smirnoff noted that this movie takes viewers on an exploration of the indestructible ties between a mother and her child, set against the intricacies of motherhood and substance abuse.

According to Diana Camargo, producer at Per Laberinto, society often idealizes motherhood, depicting mothers as flawless women capable of overcoming any obstacle. This leaves little space for acknowledging the complex emotions, such as fear, insecurity, and significant life changes, that are common among many mothers.

In 2015, the film “Buenaventura Don’t Leave Me” from Laberinto was nominated for an Emmy International Award. Over its 20-year career, Laberinto’s productions have been broadcast on various platforms such as Caracol Televisión, Netflix, Max, Nickelodeon, and Señal Colombia, to name a few. Based in Bogotá, this company operates using a hybrid model that allows them to create their own films as well as offer production services to both national and international clients.

Originating from Buenos Aires, Smirnoff launched their first work “Puzzle” under the production of Tarea Fina, which is also known for producing the Cannes Camera d’Or winner “Las Acacias”, the Argentine Oscar nominee “The Sleepwalkers”, and the Best Latin American Film at San Sebastian “Sublime”.

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2024-09-09 16:17