LA HERIDA LUMINOSA
Spain
Synopsis
Director's Statement
In recent summers, it’s become a viral practice for European young people to jump off their hotel balconies while on holidays in Spain, and to even record it with their phones to later post the footage online. Witnessing it from a local point of view, throughout the years we’ve seen the national TV and media portray and explore the phenomena with a cold and distant regard; however, I often found myself fantasizing and bonding with the young foreigners, thinking about our common links and mirroring such an aggressive activity to my own latent teenage angst so tied to our generation, the internet, and a deep longing to feel understood and belong. Empathizing with the emotions that go through one’s first unsupervised journey and the surreal feeling of experimenting a radically different weather than the one you’re used to. Being somewhere where you’re allowed to be someone else and, maybe for the first time, yourself.
Here I strived to focus on the mystical dimension that unfolds when British teenagers set out on their annual pilgrimage to Mallorca, chasing not only the sun’s warmth but also the ephemeral freedom of youth. A spiritual awakening happening in plain sight that yet remains an undeciphered mistery for those living on the Spanish island.
Cast & Crew
Directed by: Christian Avilés
Written by: Christian Avilés
Produced by: Nica Fazio
Cinematography: Manuel G. Romero
Editing: Christian Avilés
Production Design: Michi Vázquez
Costume Design: Marta Rosmeri
Make-Up & Hair: Meri Llenas
Original Score: Christian Avilés
Sound: Jimmy Solórzano
Visual Effects: Manuel G. Romero
Cast: Julia Mascort (sunburnt girl), Marcel Borràs (ambulance driver), Sam Zeitlin (teenager), Olalla Escribano (ambulance driver), Julia Fossi (mother), Clara Sans (heart-broken girl), Lily Robins (supportive girlfriend), Dina Serra (necklace girl), Gloria Sirvent (chambermaid)
Nominations and Awards
- European Short Film 2023
- Short Film Candidates 2023