Argentina Chooses Dolores Fonzi's "Belén" to Compete for International Oscar Honors

Argentina Selects Dolores Fonzi's 'Belén' to Vie for the International Feature Oscar In a packed theater at the prestigious San Sebastián Film Festival, the audience erupted into a seven-minute standing ovation as Dolores Fonzis events-inspired drama "Belén" premiered to rave reviews. The film's gripping story of a young woman imprisoned after suffering a miscarriage and her courageous lawyer, Soledad Deza, has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Now, Argentina's Academy of Cinematographic Arts Sciences has selected "Belén" as its official entry for the International Feature Oscar, solidifying the country's presence in the prestigious competition. As Fonzis' second directorial outing, "Belén" is a deeply personal and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the dark realities of Argentina's justice system. The story is inspired by real-life events, including the case of Soledad Deza, who fought tirelessly for justice in the face of overwhelming adversity. Fonzis' portrayal of Deza, played by herself, is a testament to her own courage and conviction as an actress and director. The selection of "Belén" as Argentina's Oscar entry marks a significant milestone for the country's film industry. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, Argentina has long been a hub for creative expression. The Academy's decision to support Fonzis' film is a recognition of the country's growing reputation as a producer of high-quality, internationally relevant cinema. But "Belén" is more than just a film – it's a reflection of the country's complex history and ongoing struggles with justice and human rights. Argentina has long grappled with issues of corruption, impunity, and systemic inequality, and Fonzis' film shines a light on these pressing concerns. Soledad Deza, the real-life lawyer who inspired the film, was in attendance at the San Sebastián premiere, where she received a standing ovation alongside Fonzis. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Deza spoke about her experience working on the case and the impact of the film: "I'm overwhelmed by emotion, but also deeply grateful for this recognition. Dolores' film is not just a tribute to my work – it's a testament to the resilience of women like Julieta, who are fighting against all odds for justice." Fonzis, too, was visibly moved by the audience's response to her film. "This experience has been a dream come true," she said in a statement. "To have 'Belén' selected as Argentina's Oscar entry is an honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously. I hope that our film can inspire audiences around the world to think critically about justice, human rights, and the power of courage in the face of adversity." As "Belén" prepares to compete against some of the world's most talented filmmakers for the International Feature Oscar, it's clear that this Argentine drama has already won something much more valuable – a place in the hearts of audiences everywhere. *Based on reporting by Variety.*