The captivating journey of two teenage sisters from Costa Rica has caught the spotlight at the Santiago International Film Festival in Chile.
Journey to Find Their Absent Father
“Las hijas” is a cinematic tale that depicts the summer voyage of two young sisters, Marina and Luna, as they travel from Costa Rica to Panama in search of their long-absent father. As they navigate this emotional quest, the narrative deepens, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.
Challenges, Discovery, and Growth
While the sisters, aged 17 and 14 respectively, embark on their journey with optimism, they quickly encounter typical sibling conflicts, new friendships, and a world filled with desires, lovers, and the thrill of skateboarding.
Accolades at SANFIC19
This heartfelt story, translated to the silver screen by Costa Rican filmmaker Kattia Zúñiga and actress Ariana Chaves, clinched two prestigious awards at the 19th edition of the Santiago Festival Internacional de Cine (SANFIC19) in Chile. Zúñiga was celebrated for her exemplary direction, winning the “Best Director” accolade, while Chaves was lauded with the “Best Performance” award for her compelling portrayal.
A Blend of Reality and Fiction
Though “Las hijas” is a work of fiction, it mirrors the personal experiences of its director, Zúñiga. “It draws from her own life, reflecting the dual nationalities she inherited from her Costa Rican mother and Panamanian father. The film is inspired by a real trip she took with her sister during their adolescence, trying to reconnect with a father they hadn’t seen in over a decade,” shared the film’s producer, Alejo Crisóstomo. He further elaborated on how Zúñiga transformed this personal memory into a fictional narrative, which led to the lead characters being of Costa Rican origin.
Additional Honors
Beyond the two prominent awards, “Las hijas” also received recognition for “Best Cinematography”, an honor bestowed upon the very producer of the film, Alejo Crisóstomo.
