La Llorona

Former army general Enrique Monteverde, who is suffering from dementia, is tried for his part in the 1981 massacre of the Ixil during Guatemala's civil war. Though found guilty, he is acquitted on the grounds of his poor health. He retreats to his luxurious home with his family and servants, among whom the mysterious new housekeeper Alma. By day, protestors gather around the house, but even at night he can find no peace: a weeping woman wanders the house. Only Monteverde can hear her, though he cannot find her.

Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante, who previously made Ixcanul and Temblores, combines a ghost story with the political history of his country – a country where the past is still present. In the general's house fear presides, while outside protesters are hoping for justice. Bustamante not only directed the film, but also took on the screenplay, production and editing. Awarded in Venice and more.