Dolores Fonzi is a veteran actor in Argentina, working in both television and films. She appeared in works like The Summit, Paulina, and others. In 2023, she released Blondi, which she also wrote and acted in. Two years later, she released her new feature, Belén. Based on the famous case of an woman named Belén, who spent years in prison, accused of performing an abortion, when the procedure was illegal in Argentina. The lawyer Soledad Deza defended her to prevent the woman from serving time for murder charges and it was a major news story across the globe. Fonzi designs a film that combines elements of activism and courtroom drama, while exploring the hypocrisy of judicial systems.
The film premiered at the San Sebástian International Film Festival, competing as an Argentinian submission for the Best International Film category at this year’s Academy Awards. Belén was released in a limited theatrical release on November 7th in the United States and is currently streaming globally on Prime Video.
The Interview with Director Dolores Fonzi of ‘Belén‘
Pedro Lima: Hey, Dolores. Congrats on the film.
Pedro Lima: But, firstly. Could you tell me a bit about how the project got to you? Because I know there is a very famous book about the case, and it was widely reported in the news in Argentina. How did the project come to you, and why did you decide to tell this story?
Dolores Fonzi: The project came to me, I think, because I don’t know which version to tell you, haha. I was very interested in activism and feminism in Argentina, specifically in human rights and abortion laws, about 14 or 15 years ago. I started (collaborating) with International Amnesty, doing videos while pregnant, talking about abortion and freedom of choice. And then, I learned about this case in 2016, when she was in prison.
And I helped get eyes on Tucumán by putting it in the international press after I went to this ceremony for the best-acting prize, which I got with Freedom to Belen (sign) and Soledad Deza, the real lawyer. She made me know about the case, and I did the sign. Then we met, and she was thankful, and Belen also. And then Leticia Cristi was at the ceremony, and she is the movie’s producer.
When the book about the case went out, she bought the rights and then offered me the project after my first movie as a director (Blondi). They offered me to direct it, write it, direct it, and act in it. It was amazing, and it was a yes, for sure, when she told me. She came to my house, and was so, and I don’t know what else to tell, haha.
Pedro Lima: Another question that I really want to know is. Abortion is a very complex topic in South America; Brazil, for example, makes it illegal, and in most countries it is illegal. But Argentina is an example of progressive policy in this case. How does it feel to release this film during a complicated time in Argentina because of Javier Milei… reproductive rights have been taken away in the United States, and other countries? How does it feel to release it in such a complicated time?
Dolores Fonzi: It feels very good, it feels really amazing. It is like we could, in a way, break the system. The system of negationism of the story and the crimes of the past, the history of dictatorial rule, and everything they are trying to deny. You know. Putting this movie on the battlefield, you know, it is amazing. People are responding so well (to it), and the cinemas are full of people. Women and everybody.
Pedro Lima: Yes, it is a success in Argentina.
Dolores Fonzi: Yes, still in cinemas.
Pedro Lima: Yes, the film is still in theaters in Argentina.
Dolores Fonzi: You know, we went to Brazil. We went to the Rio International Film Festival.
Pedro Lima: Yeah, the Rio International Film Festival. I couldn’t go.
Dolores Fonzi: It was amazing. A lot of women with the green scarf, how do you say? Scarves and shouting outside, very inspired by the movie. It was so amazing and emotional. So, it feels good to conquer this in a short period of time, and this is a tribute to feminism and women’s power.
Pedro Lima: Thank you so much, Dolores. Congratulations on the film and all of the success. Thank you so much for talking to me.
Dolores Fonzi: Thank you, Pedro!
Belén is now streaming on Prime Video.
Learn more about Belén on its official website.
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