Exploring Societal Pressures: ‘Face of Grace’ by Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí
The upcoming film “Face of Grace”, crafted by Spanish filmmakers Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí, dives deep into the societal pressures on women. This thought-provoking project, spotlighted at Madrid Film School’s Incubator program, seeks to unravel the intricate dynamics between generations of women, reflecting on their roles and expectations.
As one of the five Films to Come at this year’s Incubator program of the Madrid Film School (ECAM), “Face of Grace” features a host of women behind the camera. It will be co-helmed by Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí and produced by Mayca Sanz of Allegra Films and Laura Rubirola of Nocturna Pictures.
The filmmakers describe the project as a personal endeavor, organically emerging from meaningful conversations that challenge societal norms. “A lot of these questions arose from talking with our mothers and reflecting on their place in the world. That’s where the film originates — from that intergenerational dialogue between our generation and the generation of women born in the 1960s. Although the story is fictional, they were undeniably a key starting point for its creation,” say Domingo and Santos Martí.
A Narrative of Expectation and Rebellion
“Face of Grace” follows Dolores, a 63-year-old teacher, wife, and mother who has consistently fulfilled societal expectations. Despite her stable life in Barcelona, she feels trapped in her routines: a lackluster marriage, a grown son about to become a father, and holidays spent away from her roots.
On Christmas Eve, an unexpected incident occurs. Dolores, provoked, commits a public act of violence that defies her character, thrusting her into an unsympathetic system that questions both her sanity and femininity. While the world sees her as having lost control, a deeper transformation is at play.
Collaborative Direction
When asked about dividing their directing roles, the filmmakers explain their complementary skills. “Each of us brings our own personal experience in the industry and our individual background, which turn out to be very complementary when it comes to directing,” they say. Domingo leverages her directing experience from the short “Nens,” while Santos Martí’s expertise as a production designer helps shape the visual narrative.
The duo’s partnership began at the EICTV in Cuba, where their vision for “Face of Grace” crystallized. “The idea was in a very early stage, and that residency helped solidify it. Thanks to the guidance of the mentors and the sessions we received, we left with a strong foundation that became the starting point for what the film is today,” they note.
Production and Societal Themes
The film’s themes have captivated producers Sanz and Rubirola. “We were deeply intrigued by the questions it raises and the debate it can spark. ‘Face of Grace’ shines a light on society’s reaction when the rules that govern our coexistence are broken. Specifically: how does society react when the rule-breaker is a woman? Is she judged the same way as a man?” they ask.
The seemingly unjustifiable rage from a respected educator sheds light on the struggle many women face as they age and their perception by society and family.
With support from the Catalan Government’s ICEC and resources from ECAM’s Incubator, the project has participated in significant initiatives such as Focus Coproduction at Cannes and EAVE marketing training.
“We also hope to secure production support from ICEC, ICAA, public broadcasters, and streaming platforms, as well as bring on a European partner to access Eurimages and additional funds,” the producers say. Principal photography is set for Barcelona, with the team planning to capture the city’s unique atmosphere during Christmas 2026-2027, an essential backdrop for Dolores’s story.
