Memories of a Burning Body

Envisioned as the conversation with her grandmother that she never had, writer-director Antonella Sudasassi Furniss’s striking and cleverly constructed Memories of a Burning Body (the English title) gives voice to three women – Ana, Patricia, and Mayela – who were raised in a repressive era when sexuality was taboo. Their understanding of womanhood had been based on unspoken rules and implicit impositions from a dominant patriarchal perspective. Now, their fearless voices incarnate in a single 65-year-old woman (the wonderful Sol Carballo), who revisits a kaleidoscopic life of intertwined memories, secrets, and hidden desires.

‘The stifling taboos around female sexuality, love and desire are recalled with admirable candour in a film that poignantly balances insight, humour and heartfelt emotion… Sol Carballo is perfectly cast as the lead character. She exudes a serenity and wisdom that make her the calm centre of the story... Memories of a Burning Body… conveys some home truths that will be recognised the world over.’ – Allan Hunter, Screen. Winner, Panorama Audience Award, Berlin International Film Festival.