Chile's 'Erratics' Premieres at San Sebastián New Directors Competition
Chilean director Thomas Woodroffe's inaugural feature, 'Erratics' ('Bloques erráticos'), is making its global debut in the New Directors section of the San Sebastián Festival. This cinematic work intricately weaves together elements of speculative fiction, ghost narratives, and the distinctive 'Patagonian hauntology' genre, promising a unique viewing experience.
The narrative of 'Erratics' centers on the spectral presence of French filmmaker Lucien Castelnau, who awakens in the breathtaking Patagonian landscapes after a century encased within a glacier. As he traverses a technologically advanced society, built on the remnants of bygone eras, Castelnau encounters indigenous memories, displaced communities, and a world dramatically altered from the one he once knew. The film delves into profound questions regarding the fate of images, memories, and artistic creations when they fail to reach an audience, provocatively asking if a film truly exists if it remains unseen. French actor Denis Lavant, known for his work in 'Beau Travail,' lends his distinctive voice to Castelnau, enhancing the film's evocative and haunting atmosphere.
The genesis of 'Erratics' stems from an unexpected discovery, as Woodroffe recounts how a misdirected academic paper about the ethnographic documentary 'La Terre de Feu' (1925) sparked the film's core concept. Woodroffe, who also serves as screenwriter, cinematographer, and colorist, expresses a belief in cinema's capacity to act as a phantom, resurrecting voices from the past into the present. His prior achievements include the short film 'Astral Fever,' which premiered at the 1976 Biennale and received a special mention at San Sebastián's Nest competition, and his role as cinematographer for Diego Céspedes' 'The Summer of the Electric Lion,' a Grand Prize winner at Cannes’ Cinéfondation. MPM Premium, based in Paris, is managing the international distribution of 'Erratics,' further solidifying its reputation for championing original voices in contemporary Latin American cinema, with Natalia Isotta of MPM Premium noting the film's unique exploration of its own journey to find an audience. The production is a collaborative effort involving Fiebre SpA (Chile), La Belle Affaire Productions (France), and Un Puma (Argentina), featuring a cast that includes Francesca Bozzano, Dominique Legoupil, Reinaldo Caro, Daniel Muñoz, and acclaimed directors Dominga Sotomayor and Felipe Gálvez.
This film is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the exploration of identity in a world constantly reshaped by time and technology. It encourages us to reflect on the unseen legacies and unheard narratives that shape our collective human experience, urging us to recognize the profound impact art can have, even when its path to discovery is long and winding.
