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“We are Experiencing the Birth of a Very Powerful Voice”: MANTO DE GEMAS, by Natalia López Gallardo, Was Presented

Omar Sosa Topete

Natalia López Gallardo, director of Manto de Gemas (2022), along with the cast, including Monique Poggio, Aída Roa, Nailea Norvid, and Antonia Olivares; the producers Joaquín Del Paso and Fernanda De la Peza, held a press conference to present the film at the 20th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM).

“Natalia led us down a very unknown path. At times we feel a bit dizzy. But, looking back, from the first day to the last, I think that being able to participate in Natalia’s birth and evolution was something very valuable,” said Joaquín Del Paso about Natalia's work.

The entire cast present agreed on the ease of working with the emerging talent of Natalia López Gallardo. She was described as an extremely capable director and very talented at directing actors, even when they had no experience.

“This film was a personal challenge because I never thought I wanted to be an actress. It was challenging, but I thought: I'm going to do it because I want to see what I'm capable of. I think I did well, but it was because I always had Natalia’s support,” Antonia Olivares said. A statement the rest of the cast agreed with.

The last-minute changes, the dynamism, and all the ideas Natalia had as we went were something that, according to the producers and actresses, enriched the process.

“My purpose as an actress is to always adapt to the rules of the new game and try to become the tool that the director will need,” Nailea Norvid said.

The unity and fellowship that was formed on set was a key factor for this production to go through all the challenges they faced with a positive and resilient attitude, in addition to making time on location more enjoyable.

"We are experiencing the birth of a new voice, a very powerful, unique voice that I hope the audience will start to discover," added Del Paso about the quality of Natalia’s work, which has already been awarded the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).

Manto de Gemas belongs to the Mexican Feature Film Competition at the 20th FICM and follows the stories of María, who is looking for her missing sister, and Roberta, who is trying to end her son’s involvement with the cartels.