Argentina's Oscar Submission "Belén" Brings Landmark Feminist Case to the Big Screen

Dolores Fonzi's "Belén" has been selected as Argentina's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film, a polished and honestly felt sophomore feature, tells the true-life story of a landmark court case that contributed to Argentina's eventual legalization of abortion in 2020. The film, directed by and starring Dolores Fonzi, fits intricate factual material into a universally crowd-pleasing courtroom drama mold. According to Guy Lodge, film critic for Variety, "Belén" is a "rousing feminist legal drama" that shares a global distribution strategy similar to Santiago Mitre's Oscar-nominated "Argentina, 1985." Lodge praised the film's ability to convey a vital chapter of Argentine women's history in a straightforward yet stirring manner. The film's focus on a landmark court case is a significant moment in the fight for abortion rights in Argentina. In 2020, Argentina became the largest country in Latin America to legalize abortion, a major victory for women's rights advocates. The case, which is central to the film, highlights the struggles and challenges faced by women in Argentina who sought to access safe and legal abortion services. Dolores Fonzi, the director and star of the film, drew on her own experiences as an actress and a woman to bring this story to life. "As a woman, I wanted to tell a story that would resonate with women everywhere," Fonzi said in an interview. "The fight for abortion rights is not just about access to healthcare, it's about equality and justice for women." The film's release comes at a critical time for women's rights globally. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 25 million unsafe abortions occur worldwide each year, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. The fight for abortion rights is a key aspect of the broader struggle for women's equality and empowerment. "Belén" is currently available on Amazon Prime Video and has been well-received by critics and audiences alike. The film's selection as Argentina's Oscar submission is a testament to the power of women's stories and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the film industry. As the Academy Awards approach, "Belén" is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage, shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of women in Argentina and beyond.