Directors’ Fortnight Title ‘Légua,’ Broken Down by Helmers Filipa Reis and João Miller Guerra
variety.comMartin Dale Contributor “Légua” by Filipa Reis and João Miller Guerra has its world premiere in Directors Fortnight. Reis and Miller Guerra previously co-helmed the Cape Verde-set debut feature, “Djon Africa” (2018), and several documentaries. “Légua” is produced by the company, Uma Pedra no Sapato, which Reis founded in 2008 and ranks as one of Portugal’s leading independent production companies.
The pic is set in the rural village of Légua in the North of Portugal, between Amarante and Marco de Canaveses. One of the main characters is an old country house that has been deserted by its heirs and is looked after by the ailing elderly housekeeper, Emilia, assisted by Ana (played by Carla Maciel (“Diamantino”), whose husband emigrates to work in France, leaving her to look after Emilia and her own restless teenage daughter, Mónica.
The film explores a world in decay, embodied by three women from different generations. Several scenes dispense with dialogue to focus on a sensorial, corporal dimension, ranging from an early sex scene, between Ana and her husband, to the physical duress associated to taking care of Emilia.
Miller Guerra spent part of his childhood in the house depicted in the film, and Lisbon-born Reis has gradually become attached to it.
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