“When we talk about wounds in our history, the trauma has to be revised over and over so that we can overcome it”: Manuela Martelli on political thriller 1976

1976, the debut feature from Chilean director Manuela Martelli, is a brooding, simmering political thriller set against the backdrop of Augusto Pinochet’s Chile. A magnificently subtle performance from Aline Küppenheim realises the central character of Carmen, a fully signed-up member of the bourgeoisie, so much so that the film finds her in the throes of renovating her beach house. Her background in the Red Cross, however, means her services are required by a local priest in order to save the life of a wounded man. Having accepted the duty of care under false pretences, Carmen is pulled into a political vortex that consumes her daily life.

While 1976 is a showcase for Küppenheim’s talents, Martelli’s mark is indelible, imbuing the film with the slow-burning intrigue of political thrillers gone by. The Upcoming had the privilege of speaking to the director about the inspiration behind the project, the development of the film’s striking colour palette and working with Küppenheim to realise the project.

Matthew McMillan

1976 does not have a UK release date yet. Read our review here.

Read more reviews and interviews from our London Film Festival 2022 coverage here.

For further information about the festival visit the official BFI website here.

Watch the trailer for 1976 here: