Júlia de Paz's 'La buena hija' explores gender violence's impact on adolescent development

Directed by Júlia de Paz and co-written with Núria Dunjó, both ESCAC graduates, the film 'La buena hija' premieres after winning multiple awards at the Tallinn Festival. The movie traces the emotional growth of teenager Carmela, portrayed by Kiara Arancibia, who won Best Actress at Tallinn. This narrative originated from de Paz's 2021 short film 'Harta,' which earned a Gaudí award and three Biznagas de Plata at the Málaga Festival. Anna Caponnetto initially played Carmela in that earlier version. With a minimalist, observational style, the film examines how domestic gender violence reshapes family dynamics and adolescent identity formation. Supporting performances include Janet Novás as Carmela's mother and Petra Martínez as her grandmother, while Julián Villagrán portrays a manipulative abuser. Scenes shift between emotionally charged locations: a violence-stained home, a grandmother's refuge, school as a safe space, and a new beginning house. The film draws thematic parallels to 'El silencio de Julie' (Julie Keeps Quiet) by Leonardo Van Dijl, presented at the 77th Cannes Festival's Semaine de la Critique. Both works explore adolescent trauma responses through silence and inaction. De Paz previously co-created the series 'Querer,' which similarly addresses less visible aspects of gender violence. The director's approach reveals the painful ambiguity of emotional learning when outdated beliefs must be abandoned.