“Have you seen Lupita?” at the 7th Sydney Latin American Film Festival
“My name is Maria Guadalupe Del Pilar Concepción Del Niñito Jesús. But everyone calls me Lupita.” That is how the heroine of this film introduces herself, speaking to a mobile phone camera. This camera will accompany her for the rest of the movie recording her feelings, opinions and little stories.
Lupita is a special young woman, everyone agrees. Yet the people surrounding her do not agree on what is best for the “mentally ill” girl. While her aunt wants her to be in the care of doctors, her brother Maxi would rather care for her himself.
After struggling to make the right decision, Maxi finally agrees to the mental hospital. However Lupita manages to escape from her personal nightmare. With nothing but a small back pack and Maxi’s credit card, Lupita travels as far as she can get from her former home. On her journey she comes across different people, experiencing first love and real friendship for the first time. She is confronted with a perpetual struggle proving to the world as well as to herself that she is special in a good way.
“Have you seen Lupita?” is a very moving and unique movie, just like the heroine itself. It lives through its quiet tones and surprises by its unexpected turns. In the beginning there are a lot of unanswered questions. However one can slowly compose the puzzle pieces of the story by the flashbacks integrated into the film.
This movie hits the nerve of the contemporary time: the fashion world is dominated by skinny girls. In magazines and television we are confronted with perfect humans apparently handling their lives without any problems. We always know exactly what the world wants us to be. Often we forget that we are all individuals and that being different is natural. We can all learn from this strong young woman searching for happiness and acceptance.
by Hannah Vogel
Information about the screening:
What: “Have you seen Lupita?”
When: 8.00pm on the 9th September 2012
Where: Dendy Cinema Opera Quays, NSW
Tickets: 25$ (Adult) and 22$ (Concession)
Tickets can be bought on the internet or in the cinema.
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