Film Movement Gives Undiscovered TIFF Gem ‘Alamar’ a New Home

There were a couple of little birdies at last year’s TIFF that told me about a gorgeous little film from Mexico from helmer Pedro González-Rubio — since the Toronto preem it has hit Rotterdam this year and will roll out at Berlin shortly. Back then it was going by the title of To the Sea, but we should get comfy with the title of Alamar — as the Film Movement folks (who also got behind another small Mexican film in Lake Tahoe – a Top 20 film of mine from last year’s theatrical releases) have picked up the rights to the film via France’s MK2. The import will play at the Film Forum on July the 14th. Here’s the synopsis: 

Jorge and Roberta have been separated for several years. They simply come from opposite worlds: he likes an uncomplicated life in the jungle, while she prefers a more urban existence. He is Mexican and she is Italian, and she has decided to return to Rome with their five-year-old son, Natan. But before they leave, Jorge wishes to take young Natan on a trip, hoping to teach him about his Mayan origins in Mexico. At first the boy is physically and emotionally uncomfortable with the whole affair, and gets seasick on the boat taking them to their destination. But as father and son spend more time together, Natan begins a learning experience that will remain with him forever.

Here’s a look at his previous film…apologies for the nasty content.