Narciso
Set in 1950s Paraguay, this politically charged drama follows a magnetic rock DJ who is murdered at the height of his career.
It is 1958, and Paraguay is suffering under the harsh military dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner. Suddenly, a breath of fresh air reaches the airwaves of the capital Asunción, where traditional music usually dominates: magnetic DJ Narciso Arévalos (Diro Romero) has returned home from Buenos Aires, bringing American rock ’n’ roll with him. Initially sceptical, radio station owner Lulú (Manuel Cuenca) resists the idea of a possibly scandalous new music programme, but soon succumbs to the young man’s charm, as do many others. The new show is an instant hit.
In a tense atmosphere where neighbours keep watch on one another, Narciso becomes a fleeting symbol of freedom as he thrills young live audiences to the rhythms of Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. His charisma, which attracts the attention of both men and women, has fatal consequences, however — Narciso is soon found dead in his flat.
The new atmospheric period drama from Marcelo Martinessi, director of the acclaimed The Heiresses (R&A 2018), is less a murder mystery than a portrait of how free artistic expression can challenge an authoritarian regime and insidiously punch holes in its foundations.
Ida Kumpulainen (translated by Herman Tikkanen)
Screenings
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Gilda 1Fri 18.9. at 20.45–22.26101 min, 1/3
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Cinema OrionThu 24.9. at 16.30–18.11101 min, 2/3
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Kino TöölöSun 27.9. at 18.30–20.11101 min, 3/3