IN THE SUMMERS PRODUCTION
WORDS Robert Shepherd
The cinematographer of Sundance winner In the Summers details his role in delivering poignant Latin-American storytelling with beauty S undance Film Festival’s US Dramatic Competition bestowed the 2024 Grand Jury prize on In the Summers , marking an impressive feature
film debut for Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio. Over 20 years, the poignant Latin-American narrative film unfolds in four distinct chapters, detailing the annual visits of sisters Violeta (Dreya Castillo) and Eva (Luciana Elisa Quinonez) to their father, Vicente (René Pérez Joglar, professionally known as Residente), in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Despite the patriarch’s rugged appearance, marked by tattoos and a cigarette, his demeanour softens upon reuniting with his daughters at the local airport. Initial awkwardness fades as they dive into Vicente’s backyard pool, promising summers ahead. Yet, underlying tension hints at his enigmatic nature. The director intricately structures each chapter in this one hour 38 minute bilingual film (both English and Spanish), commencing with a candlelit altar that symbolises the family’s state. In Chapter II, set years later, teenage Violeta and Eva (now portrayed by Kimaya Thais and Allison Salinas) find Vicente changed, grappling visibly with addiction, with his once-pristine pool now reflecting inner turmoil. With his absence felt, Violeta explores her sexuality alongside Vicente’s friend Carmen (Emma Ramos), while Eva questions her place within the family. BEHIND THE CAMERA The production, which took place in New Mexico and wrapped last summer, was shot in by in-demand director of photography Alejandro Mejía AMC – widely admired for previous works
BREAKING GROUND Lacorazza’s debut film brings her cinematic vision to the screen, blending storytelling and creativity
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