Oscar Buzz! Why This Argentinian Film HAD To Be Made?!

In Argentina, the name "Belén" carries a weight, a whisper of injustice known intimately by many women, yet the identity behind it remains shrouded in necessary anonymity. Now, that story, a truly enraging and powerful one, has been brought to life in *Belén*, a political drama spearheaded by the incredibly talented Dolores Fonzi, who not only directs and stars but also penned the screenplay.

Oscar Buzz! Why This Argentinian Film HAD To Be Ma...

The film, which is Argentina's submission for the Oscars, isn’t a work of fiction spun from thin air. It's rooted in the very real, and frankly horrifying, events of 2014. We're talking about a young woman, rushed to a Tucumán hospital writhing in abdominal pain, completely unaware she was even pregnant. After suffering a miscarriage, she's immediately arrested, based on the flimsiest of evidence, accused of inducing an illegal abortion. The punishment? Years behind bars.

Fonzi steps into the shoes of Soledad Deza, the lawyer who bravely brought this case to the forefront, christening her client "Belén" to protect her from further repercussions within the prison walls. It’s a case that sparked a wave of solidarity throughout Argentina, a groundswell of support documented in Ana Correa's 2019 book, *We Are Belén*. And it was this book that serendipitously found its way to producer Leticia Casti.

Speaking at Deadline's Contenders Film: International event, Casti perfectly articulated why this story simply *had* to be told on the big screen. "I thought, 'This story has to become a movie,' because it has all the ingredients of a film that needs to be shown in order to shine a light on this topic," she explained. But it wasn't just about local impact. Casti emphasized, "Our aim was to do a film that creates interest in Argentina and also internationally, not just our local audience. I also wanted to work with an Argentinian woman director to address this topic and bring all of us together as [the real Belén] did.” And who better than Dolores Fonzi to take the helm?

It’s worth noting the depth of commitment here. Fonzi didn't just portray the lawyer; she embodied the unwavering dedication that Deza showed to Belén. And Deza herself was readily available, offering her cooperation and insights to ensure the authenticity and power of the film. It’s a testament to the importance of this story, and the collective determination to ensure Belén's voice, and the voices of countless others, are finally heard.