Ecuadorian filmmaker Ana Cristina Barragán premieres her latest feature film, The Ivy (“Hiedra”), on September 3, 2023, as part of the Venice Horizons sidebar. This marks the third installment in a series of films that delve into themes of family and adolescence, continuing the exploration found in her previous works, Alba and Octopus Skin. In The Ivy, Barragán focuses on the emotional landscapes of her characters, emphasizing their struggles with isolation and personal identity.
The narrative centers around Azucena, a 30-year-old woman, and Julio, a teenager in a foster home. Their relationship develops unexpectedly as Azucena reaches out to Julio, leading to a profound yet quiet connection. Barragán describes her fascination with childhood wounds, stating, “With The Ivy, I’m once again drawn to exploring childhood wounds — but this time, through the body, through how those early scars manifest physically.”
Barragán’s characters often embody the challenges of feeling out of place due to factors like social backgrounds, abandonment, or personal trauma. “Something that has always interested me is the theme of abandonment — how it leaves its mark on the body, how it manifests physically,” she notes. This theme is poignantly illustrated in the film, drawing parallels with the resilient nature of ivy, a plant that grows in unexpected ways and can thrive even in harsh conditions.
Building Authentic Connections with Actors
The cast of The Ivy features both professional and non-professional actors, with Simone Bucio portraying Azucena and Francis Eddú Llumiquinga as Julio. Barragán expresses her preference for working with non-professional actors, believing they bring a unique depth and authenticity to their roles. “There’s something about childhood and adolescence — the wounds that form during those years stay with us for life,” she explains.
To prepare for their performances, Barragán and her team conducted an extensive five-month acting workshop. This process was essential for building trust and rapport among the actors, allowing them to explore improvisation and character development in a supportive environment. “Through that, we gradually discovered their characters and the relationships between them,” Barragán shares.
The film is produced by a collaboration of several international companies, including Botón Films from Ecuador, BHD Films from Mexico, Ciné-Sud Promotion from France, and Guspira Films from Spain. Notably, Karla Souza, who was initially set to play a lead role, transitioned to an executive producer position after stepping back from acting duties.
A Journey Through Film Festivals
Following its premiere in Venice, Barragán will take The Ivy to the San Sebastian Film Festival, where she developed the script during her time at the prestigious Elias Querejeta Film School. The film has already garnered recognition, winning the Special Ciné+ Prize and the CCAS Prize at Cinélatino Toulouse Films in Progress 2025.
As interest in the film grows, Bendita Film Sales has taken on the responsibility of handling international sales. Barragán’s unique vision and commitment to exploring the complexities of human relationships through her storytelling continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.