Aurora

Architect Luisa passionately runs creative workshops for children after work and her project obviously brings her fulfilment. One day, in the school's restroom, she runs into one of her students, 17-year-old Julia, who is attempting to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy. She cares for her, tries to help her in a difficult situation, balancing between the role of a teacher, friend, and "second mother." Or, maybe, she is doing it to make up for a yawning gap in her own life? How will the teenager's family react to their relationship? And what decision will Julia make regarding the pregnancy? The third film by Costa Rican director Paz Fábregi, shown at this year's Rotterdam festival, is an empathetic work about difficult choices and female solidarity. The subject of the film, as well as the gentle photos of María Secco expressing concern for the characters, may bring to mind last year's hit of our festival, Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always. It is also a film almost entirely created by women, whose role is in Latin American cinema is becoming increasingly important.