Manuela Martelli's 'Dégel' Explores Chile's Dictatorship Through a Child's Eyes

Chilean filmmaker Manuela Martelli's second feature film, 'Dégel' (Thaw), premieres in 2026, delving into the chilling legacy of the country's dictatorship. Set within a police investigation, the film examines the forced disappearances that marked Chile during Augusto Pinochet's regime, as seen through the perspective of a young girl. The narrative intertwines a personal story with the broader historical trauma, using the metaphor of cold to evoke the emotional and political freeze of the era. Martelli, known for her debut feature 'The Cow Who Sang a Song into the Future' (2022), continues her exploration of memory and grief. The film's release comes amid ongoing debates in Chile about historical memory and justice for the victims of the dictatorship. 'Dégel' is produced by a Chilean-French collaboration and is expected to feature in international film festivals. The title 'Dégel' suggests a thawing of frozen truths, as the protagonist uncovers buried secrets. The film's premiere is scheduled for late 2026, with distribution plans in Europe and Latin America.