Ana Cristina Barragán’s latest film, “The Ivy” (“Hiedra”), premiered on September 3, 2023, in the Venice Horizons sidebar, showcasing her distinctive storytelling style. This marks Barragán’s third feature film, following her critically acclaimed works “Alba” and “Octopus Skin.” The film continues her exploration of complex themes surrounding family and adolescence, focusing on characters who struggle with feelings of isolation and abandonment.
In “The Ivy,” the narrative centers on two protagonists: Azucena, a 30-year-old woman, and Julio, a teenager living in a foster home. Their differing backgrounds lead to an unexpected bond that evolves into a deep connection. Barragán explained, “I think, in some way, these three films are connected. They all deal with themes of family and adolescence.” She believes that her characters often find themselves out of sync with the world due to their shyness or social circumstances.
For Barragán, the film’s title symbolically represents the themes she wishes to explore. “With ‘The Ivy,’ I’m once again drawn to exploring childhood wounds — but this time, through the body, through how those early scars manifest physically,” she noted. The ivy plant, which grows tenaciously and often in unwanted places, serves as a metaphor for resilience and hidden beauty, despite its potential toxicity. “It carries a kind of symbolic weight that feels right for what I am trying to express,” she added.
Non-Professional Actors Bring Authenticity
The cast of “The Ivy” features both seasoned and non-professional actors. While Simone Bucio, known for her role in “The Untamed,” takes on the character of Azucena, the pivotal role of Julio is portrayed by Francis Eddú Llumiquinga, who brings a raw authenticity to the film. Barragán has a particular affinity for working with young, non-professional actors, stating, “There’s something about childhood and adolescence — and the wounds that form during those years, which in some way stay with us for life — that really intrigues me.”
To prepare for their roles, the cast participated in an extensive five-month acting workshop. Barragán emphasized the importance of building trust and connection with her actors, facilitating improvisation exercises that helped shape their characters. “Through that, we gradually discovered their characters and the relationships between them,” she shared.
A Film with International Reach
“The Ivy” is produced by Botón Films from Ecuador, BHD Films from Mexico, Ciné-Sud Promotion from France, and Guspira Films from Spain. Karla Souza, a notable figure in the film industry known for “Dive,” was initially slated to play the lead role but later transitioned to an executive producer role. Following its debut in Venice, the film will be showcased at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where Barragán refined its script while studying at the prestigious Elias Querejeta Film School.
This compelling drama recently received accolades at the Cinélatino Toulouse Films in Progress 2025, winning both the Special Ciné+ Prize and the CCAS Prize. The film’s international sales are managed by Bendita Film Sales, further highlighting its potential reach within the global cinema landscape.
With “The Ivy,” Barragán continues to delve into the intricacies of human emotions, using her film as a medium to reflect on the scars left by childhood experiences. As she explores these themes, she invites audiences to reflect on their own childhood wounds, making her work resonate on a deeply personal level.
