Sariri

In her film debut, director Laura Donoso casts an observational eye on the stark yet vibrant life within La Lágrima, a Chilean village nestled in the desert. Through her lens, we're drawn into the life of sixteen-year-old Dina, caught in the turmoil of an unplanned pregnancy and dreaming of escape to the city. Dina's journey takes a complex turn with the revelation that her younger sister, Sariri, merely eleven, is on the verge of womanhood by local customs. Faced with a daunting choice, Dina grapples with her longing for freedom against the protective instincts she harbors for Sariri. Should she embark on a hazardous trek across the desert with her sister in tow, or leave her behind in a community bound by oppressive patriarchal norms? Powerful performances, vibrant color, and dramatic craft propel Sariri into a riveting tale of sisterly bond. (Miami Film Festival)