Roma

2004 · Spain, Argentina · 152 min

Director: Adolfo Aristarain
Screenplay: Mario Camus, Adolfo Aristarain
Producer: José Antonio Félez
Cinematography: José Luis Alcaine Escaño
Editing: Fernando Pardo

Cast

Jane Darwell

María Galiana

Juan Diego Botto

José Sacristán

Marcela Kloosterboer

Tony Lestingi

Marina Glezer

Carla Crespo

Gustavo Garzón

Héctor Malamud

Maxi Ghione

Jean Pierre Noher

Marcos Mundstock

Susú Pecoraro

Diego Topa

Vando Villamil

Daniel Dibiase

Marcos Woinsky

What it is about

Joaquín Góñez, a novelist living in Spain, is assigned a young journalist, Manuel Cueto, to help him finish a long-delayed autobiography. As he revisits his past, the story moves back to Buenos Aires in the 1960s and 70s, covering his youth, the political climate of the period, his great love and, above all, his bond with his mother, Roma. Juan Diego Botto plays both men, a choice the film leaves open as a possible reflection of the protagonist's memory.

How it was made

Directed by Adolfo Aristarain, who co-wrote the script with Mario Camus, and produced by José Antonio Félez. José Luis Alcaine handled cinematography and Fernando Pardo edited the film. Shooting took place mostly in Argentina, with some scenes filmed in Madrid. Susú Pecoraro, Juan Diego Botto and José Sacristán lead the cast, alongside Marcela Kloosterboer, Maxi Ghione and Marina Glezer.

Reception and legacy

The film won awards at several festivals, including the Golden Violet for best actress and best screenplay at Toulouse and the Audience Award in Havana. In Argentina it received Cóndor de Plata awards for best film and best director, plus best actress for Pecoraro. Variety's critic called it Aristarain's most accomplished work to date, praising its compassionate look at the director's own spiritual and political education.