“These communities are not part of the American Dream”: Lisandro Alonso on Eureka

Cannes Festival favourite Argentinian director Lisandro Alonso (Freedom, Los Muertos, Liverpool) reunites with Viggo Mortensen after 2014’s Jauja (which won the FIPRESCI Prize in Un Certain Regard) in the long-awaited follow-up Eureka. Continuing his fascination with the Western genre, the film is a poetic journey through the lives of indigenous people in America.

The Upcoming spoke to Alonso during the festival about his desire to create something that hadn’t been done before after a break from filmmaking and the film’s unconventional structure, segmented like a Western movie, present-day America and a glimpse into the lives of natives near forests. The director delved into the challenges he faced, from inclement weather conditions and COVID-19 to changing crew members and personal difficulties. Alonso emphasised his desire to highlight the struggles of native communities and the oppressive conditions they face, particularly in places like the Pine Ridge reservation, suggesting that these communities have been sidelined from the “American dream”. Alonso hopes his film prompts uncomfortable questions that spark dialogue, rather than providing neat answers. Despite the potential for walk-outs, he’s content if his film provokes thought and discussion. Alonso also expressed appreciation for the Cannes Film Festival, which he feels has saved his career and helped him gain international recognition. Finally, Alonso hinted at his future plans, revealing a desire to film in Brazil, among the trees of the jungle.

Sarah Bradbury

Eureka does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Cannes Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Cannes Film Festival website here.

Watch a clip from Eureka here: