Top 100 Most Anticipated Foreign Films of 2021: #78. Marí Alessandrini’s Zahori

Zahori

Argentina’s Marí Alessandrini is set for an ambitious debut in 2021 with Zahori, the production of which was halted by the pandemic earlier this year, forcing the director to finish the editing process on her own. The film is led by Lara Totoso and Santos Curapil, both making their debut, and is produced by Nadedja Magnenat. Alessandrini developed her script in the Cannes film festival residency program Cinefondation in 2015 and the project was also part of this year’s Locarno program The Films After Tomorrow for productions halted by the pandemic where she won best Swiss title.

Gist: Described as a reappropriated feminist Western, 13-year-old Mora lives on the Patagonia Steppe of Argentina and is misunderstood by her parents and peers. Sharing a bond with Nazareno, an elderly Mapuche man, Mora embarks on a journey with him on a path towards his death in a narrative which also serves as her coming-of-age.

Release Date/Prediction: The Switzerland, Argentina, Chile, France co-production has been shortlisted to potentially premiere in Cannes in the Directors’ Fortnight 2021 – but if that doesn’t occur – look for a comp entry in Locarno.