AMPAS ADDS WOMEN DIRECTORS: With our commitment to reviewing all new releases written and/or directed by women, FF2 Media now plays an important role in breaking down barriers. AMPAS invited 683 new members this year, 49 of whom are female directors. Who are they? What are their stories? We already know them, and we are here to tell you!
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Laura Amelia Guzmán is a filmmaker from Mexico who directed 2007’s Cochochi with husband and directing partner, Israel Cardenas. Three years later, they co-directed Jean Gentil and later directed Sand Dollars. Set on the beaches of Las Terrenas, Sand Dollars tells the story of elderly “Anne” (Geraldine Chaplin) when she falls in love with a 20-year-old Dominican girl, “Noeli” (Yanet Mojica). In 2016 Guzmán announced she was directing a sequel to Sand Dollars called Noeli Overseas.
Excerpt from FF2 Media review of Sand Dollars from November 5, 2015:
What stands out in Sand Dollars, aside from the breathtaking scenery, is Geraldine Chaplin’s performance as love-stricken Anne. While the old woman has her flamboyant male friend and an almost-non-existent relationship with her son, she is left alone on the beach to contemplate her life and the end of her days. You want to reach into the screen and hug Anne, desperately wanting her to move on from Noeli. From her physicality to her worried, tearful eyes, Chaplin is powerful in the role.
Read full review: https://ff2media.azurewebsites.net/thehotpinkpen/2015/11/05/sand-dollars/
Read more about Laura Amelia Guzman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Amelia_Guzmán_and_Israel_Cárdenas
Photo Credit: Jean Gentil
