Several Spanish publications have named Paula Ortiz’s Teresa one of the most anticipated films of the year. In 2015, PÖFF showed the same author's feature film “The Bride”, which is an adaptation of the play by Frederico Garcia Lorca. The director's latest film is also adapted from a play written by the contemporary playwright Juan Mayorga. The author herself instructs the viewers that “Teresa” should be viewed in dialogue with the present, although the film takes place in the 16th century.

Teresa, a Carmelite nun, reformer, and mystic of the Roman Catholic Church, has been ostracized for her beliefs. She will meet with the Inquisitor. All kinds of decisions regarding her are possible.

Saint Teresa of Avila is a historical person, but this film is not a factual biography. Rather, it is a free interpretation of those doubts, beliefs, and a person's love of faith that is inherent in all ages for those who seek change. And the word faith does not have to have a direct religious meaning at all. The creative team succeeded in creating a visually interesting film. If the author had only followed the dialogue between Teresa and the Inquisitor, the film would have lost a lot. The film's dialogue carries the plot, but the imagery and structure of the film carry the author’s thoughts.

Mihkel Möölman