Chilean filmmaker Maite Alberdi is once again exploring the docu-fiction format with her latest project, “A Child of My Own” (“Un hijo propio”). After the success of her first fiction feature, Alberdi returns to her storytelling roots, blending reality and fiction in a narrative that challenges and captivates audiences. This venture continues her innovative approach, seen previously in her Oscar-nominated work, and aims to deepen the conversation about human experiences and societal pressures.
A New Take on Docu-Fiction
Following her acclaimed film “The Mole Agent,” Maite Alberdi revisits the docu-fiction format with “A Child of My Own.” This film daringly employs techniques such as breaking the fourth wall to enhance storytelling. The plot centers around Alejandra, who, pressured by her new husband and his family, chooses to fake a pregnancy. This seemingly simple deception spirals into a complex web that she must maintain for months, leading her across an irreversible boundary.
The Story Behind the Film
Alberdi first encountered Alejandra’s story while working on another project in Mexico. “When I heard her story, I found it very striking that a woman would pretend and simulate a pregnancy for such a long time. Truly, an extraordinary story, impossible to believe as fiction,” she recalls. The film delves into themes of societal expectations and the lengths to which individuals might go to conform.
Crafting the Docu-Fiction Format
The decision to explore this story through a docu-fiction format stems from Alberdi’s belief that Alejandra’s past could most effectively be revisited through staged scenes informed by her personal testimony. This approach combines traditional documentary elements with scripted performances, providing a unique perspective over a 16-year span of Alejandra’s life.
“What the film ultimately offers is perspective – the distance of time. Over the years, she’s been able to recognize her mistakes and understand them differently, and to see more clearly where she stands today,” Alberdi explains.
A Collaborative Effort
Produced by Gato Grande for Netflix, “A Child of My Own” was filmed in Mexico with a talented cast including Ana Celeste Montalvo Peña, Luisa Guzmán, and Armando Espitia. Alberdi highlights the challenge faced by the actors, who had to embody existing people rather than fictional characters. “It became a beautiful exercise in observation and interpretation,” she notes.
A Global Platform for Dialogue
The film’s world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival is a significant milestone. “Berlin is a wonderful festival for dialogue. The exchange with audiences is always deeply enriching,” Alberdi remarks. She is eager to engage with viewers and the press in discussions sparked by the film’s provocative themes.
With a diverse creative team, including the co-writers of Pablo Trapero’s “The Clan,” the film represents a multicultural collaboration bringing together talents from Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.
Maite Alberdi continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, proving that the line between reality and fiction can be both a lens for truth and a canvas for creativity. Her preference for blending reality into her narratives underscores the powerful connection she fosters between her films and audiences worldwide.
