‘Plaza Catedral’ Director Hopes His Panama Oscar Entry Will Continue Legacy of Lead Actor, Who Was Killed Before Film Premiere
variety.comNaman Ramachandran In a new series, Variety catches up with the directors of the films shortlisted for the International Feature Oscar to discuss their road to the awards, what they’ve learned so far, and what’s taken them off guard.Two of Abner Benaim’s films, documentaries “Invasion” (2014) and “Ruben Blades Is Not My Name” (2018), were Panamanian entries to the Oscars, but his “Plaza Catedral” is the first time a film from the country has been shortlisted.
The film, which portrays a violent society with a gulf between the rich and poor, won major awards at the Guadalajara and Panama film festivals.
It follows a grief-stricken woman (Ilse Salas) whose life changes when a wounded teenage street kid (Fernando Xavier de Casta) shows up at her doorstep.
Tragically, Xavier de Casta was shot dead months before the film’s premiere. What does it mean to you to be shortlisted for the best international feature Oscar? It’s very good news of course for the film, for me, and for Panama — it’ s the first time ever for a film from Panama to be shortlisted.
Read more on variety.com