Sole Nordic entry in the Directors’ Fortnight line-up of 24 films, Clara Sola is the feature debut of rising talent Mesén, who holds a screenwriting degree from Columbia University School of Arts and a BFA in physical theatre from Stockholm University of the Arts. Her previous works include the Telluride-selected Asunder, and Venice entry Entre Tú y Milagros.

Clara Sola is a late coming-of-age drama, with elements of magic realism. The central character Clara is believed to have a connection with the Virgin Mary. As a "healer", she sustains a family and a village in need of hope, while she finds solace in her relationship with the natural world. After years of being controlled by her mother’s repressive care, Clara’s sexual desires are stirred by her attraction to her niece’s new boyfriend. This newly awakened force takes Clara to unexplored territory, allowing her to cross boundaries, both physical and mystical.

In the title role is multi-award-winning Costa Rican dancer Wendy Chinchilla in her debut film role.

The film is produced by Nima Yousefi ‘s HOBAB (co-producer of the Icelandic Un Certain Regard hit A White, White Day), in co-production with Resolve Media, US, Need Productions, Belgium, Pacífica Grey, Costa-Rica, Laïdak Films, Germany, Film Capital Stockholm Fund, with co-financing from SVT and support from the Swedish Film Institute.

Luxbox handles world sales. The film will be released in Sweden by Folkets Bio in the fall 2021.

The non-competitive 53rd Directors’ Fortnight (July 7-17) overseen by the French Société des Réalisateurs (French Directors’ Guild), is set to open with the Juliette Binoche vehicle Between Two Worlds by French writer/director Emmanuel Carrère.

For the full programme, CLICK HERE.