A Triumphant Return to the Locarno Festival
Barcelona-based filmmaker Mar Coll, known for her keen vision of auteur cinema, has made her long-awaited return to the big screen with the presentation of ‘Salve Maria’ at the Locarno Festival. This event, recognised worldwide for its focus on independent cinema, has been the perfect setting for the premiere of this work, which marks Coll’s return after a decade of absence from directing feature films.
An Intense Narrative About Motherhood
‘Salve Maria’ delves into the complexity of the maternal experience, presenting María, a young writer who faces her own demons after becoming a mother. The plot is intertwined with the true story of Alice Espanet, a woman who, in a moment of desperation, committed a tragic act with her children. Through this story, Coll seeks to explore the darkest and most conflictive facets of motherhood.
Personal Reflections on Motherhood
Speaking to ACN, Coll commented on how the novel ‘No Mothers’ by Katixa Agirre resonated deeply with her after experiencing motherhood. ‘Both Valentina, my co-writer, and I had a fervent desire to create something that reflected our experiences,’ she explained. This personal connection to the material was essential to developing a narrative that, although uncomfortable, seeks to open a dialogue about motherhood in its rawest form.
An Innovative Approach to Genre Cinema
Coll has transformed the novel’s original premise into a psychological thriller, moving away from the more conventional and naturalistic approaches she had explored in previous works. ‘We wanted to create something different, something that would not only entertain, but also invite reflection on topics that are often considered taboo,’ stressed the director.
Guilt and the Stigma of Motherhood
Throughout Salve Maria, Coll focuses on the “darker parts” of motherhood, emphasizing the guilt and regret that can arise at this stage of life. “The thriller genre is a powerful medium to address these complex feelings,” she said. The filmmaker is confident that audiences, especially women, will be able to identify with the main character and the emotional burden she carries.
A Title That Resonates
Initially, the title of the film was going to be ‘Las madres no’, but ‘Salve Maria’ was chosen to capture a broader essence and avoid confusion in other languages. Coll reflected on the meaning behind the new title: ‘It encompasses concepts such as motherhood, the figure of the virgin and guilt, all in one.’
Next Steps for ‘Salve Maria’
Following its successful premiere in Locarno, ‘Salve Maria’ is set to hit Spanish cinemas this autumn. With a cast that includes Laura Weissmahr and Oriol Pla, alongside talented actresses such as Giannina Fruttero and Belén Cruz, the film promises to be a conversation starter around motherhood and its many facets.
Final Thoughts on the Project
As the film unfolds at the festival and subsequently in theaters, ‘Salve Maria’ stands not only as a cinematic work, but as a space for reflection on motherhood in its most challenging forms. With her bold approach and provocative narrative, Mar Coll invites the audience to consider the less discussed realities of being a mother in a world that often glorifies the maternal figure without addressing its complexities.
