Winter Howl
A senior couple lives isolated in Patagonia. They are the survivors of Colonia Dignidad, a German “School” settled during the Chilean Dictatorship. Their only purpose is to live in the present while battling the fear of being forgotten. Meanwhile, a woman facing an imminent loss of memory, tries to deliver a secret, asking for forgiveness for the guilt she has carried her whole life.
Colonia Dignidad closed a long time ago and the enslaved children that grew up there are now adults. What do you do after such a deep trauma?
Memory, wounds, redemption, scars, fiction, and reality are all different layers of the fascinating Russian doll which is this movie, an engaging and captivating jigsaw that will move you. One thing is certain, Matias Rojas’s skilful eye turns past traumas into enthralling films.
Javier Garcia Puerto
Matías Rojas Valencia (1984) is a director and writer. His first feature film “Root” (2013) premiered at San Sebastián international film festival, won the best Chilean film award at Valdivia film festival and was selected at diverse festivals in the international circuit. His short film “I Need to Know” was produced under the Cannes Factory scholarship and premiered worldwide at the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. His second feature “A Place Called Dignity” (2021) was selected at Cannes L’Atelier Cinéfondation and premiered at the Main Competition of Tallinn Black Nights film festival. “Winter Howl” is his first documentary.
Filmography:
Raiz (Root, 2013), Chile Factory (2015, co-dir), Un lugar llamado Dignidad (Väärikuse kool, PÖFF 2021), Aullido De Invierno (Winter Howl, 2023, doc)