Stars: Carlos Rodríguez, Jovita Rodríguez, Julio Rodríguez
Storyline
Progressive Dutch couple, Martin Verfondern and Margo Pool, had only one dream - to live off the land, far from the constraints and complications of the city. But, when they arrive in the crumbling, Spanish village of Santoalla, the foreigners challenge the traditions of the town's sole remaining family, igniting a decade-long conflict that culminates in Martin's mysterious disappearance. As this once forgotten landscape is thrust into the center of controversy, Margo finds herself searching not only for answers, but for the strength to persevere.
Cast: Carlos Rodríguez -
Himself
Jovita Rodríguez -
Herself
Julio Rodríguez -
Himself
Manolo Rodríguez -
Himself
Margo Verfondern -
Herself
Martin Verfondern -
Himself
Dutch couple, Martin and Margo, give up their urban lives, sell their
homes, buy a camper van and travel Europe in search of a place to live
a simpler life. They eventually discover their goal in the tiny and
remote village of Santoalla in rural Galicia, a place which is in an
advanced state of ruination. Only one family remains, the Rodríguez
clan. The newcomers buy a ruin and repair it into a liveable home and
then begin with wider plans to attract rural tourism. The Rodríguez
family strongly oppose to any form of change and a conflict is soon
underway. This results in Martin mysteriously disappearing one month
after winning a land rights case against the Rodríguez family.
This documentary is unusual in that it also operates as a mystery. The
disappearance of Martin poses many questions and leads to many stones
being uncovered. It really is difficult saying too much about this one
as it's really best to approach it with as little knowledge as possible
and to watch the story unfold. Two Brooklyn film-makers Andrew Becker
and Daniel Mehrer stumbled on the story by chance and decided to make a
film on it. They were helped considerably by the fortunate scenario
where Martin had previously shot lots of homemade video footage of his
neighbours and environs as he became more paranoid about their
behaviours towards him. This first hand material adds invaluably to
building up a layered account of the story. There are interviews with
both groups of people, with the main focus being on Margo, who comes
across as a very measured and determined lady.
It's a fascinating and sinister true account of cultures clashing
badly. It seems the fault lies in both directions, not only the
intolerance of the Rodríguez but also, the heavy-handed approach of
Martin probably made things worse. Yet, it's obvious where the primary
blame lies in this story and it remains a tragic one. Additionally,
this is an interesting film simply as a look at a very unusual place.
Santoalla is effectively a ruin with people living in it. It exists in
a place seemingly shut off from the world, with heavy hardships for
those who remain. It's a crumbling place which has a haunting quality
to it. A place with stories to tell, this is one of them.
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