Nuestras Madres

In Guatemala, where the scars of a 36-year civil war remain, Ernesto, a young forensic anthropologist, works to identify the countless victims of the conflict. When an indigenous woman named Nicolasa presents him with a photograph of her missing husband, Ernesto believes he recognizes his own father, a guerrilla fighter who disappeared during the war. This discovery leads him on a personal journey, intertwining his professional duties with a quest for familial truth. Director César Díaz's debut feature, OUR MOTHERS (NUESTRAS MADRES), is a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the enduring impact of political violence. The film premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Caméra d'Or for Best First Feature. It was also Belgium's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards and received six nominations at the 10th Magritte Awards, winning Best First Feature Film. Through Ernesto's interactions with survivors and his own family, the film delves into the collective trauma experienced by the Guatemalan people, particularly the indigenous Maya communities. It highlights the crucial role of women in preserving history and seeking justice, as they recount their experiences and demand recognition for the atrocities committed. OUR MOTHERS is a testament to the resilience of those who continue to search for truth and closure in the aftermath of conflict. Díaz's sensitive storytelling and the film's understated performances offer a powerful reflection on the personal and national processes of healing and remembrance.