Ecuadorian filmmaker Ana Cristina Barragán is set to unveil her latest work, “The Ivy” (“Hiedra”), on September 3, 2023, during the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons sidebar. This film marks Barragán’s third feature and continues her exploration of deeply personal themes, particularly those surrounding family dynamics and adolescence.
Barragán’s previous films, “Alba” and “Octopus Skin,” also focused on young protagonists, and she notes a significant connection among these narratives. “I think, in some way, these three films are connected. They all deal with themes of family and adolescence,” Barragán explains. “Each one follows characters who, for different reasons, don’t quite fit into the world around them — whether because of their shyness, social background, isolation or abandonment.”
In “The Ivy,” the story centers on two characters: Azucena, a 30-year-old woman, and Julio, a teenager residing in a foster home. Their unlikely relationship evolves as Azucena reaches out to Julio for reasons he struggles to understand. This unexpected bond leads to a subtle yet profound closeness that neither had anticipated.
Exploring Childhood Wounds
Barragán’s thematic focus on childhood trauma is evident as she states, “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 delves into how experiences of abandonment and abuse leave lasting marks. “Something that has always interested me is the theme of abandonment — how it leaves its mark on the body,” she adds.
The title, “The Ivy,” symbolizes these themes. Barragán describes the plant as resilient and often invasive, growing where it is not wanted. “It can be slightly toxic, yet it’s undeniably beautiful,” she remarks. “It carries a kind of symbolic weight that feels right for what I am trying to express.”
The film features a mostly non-professional cast, with Simone Bucio portraying Azucena and Francis Eddú Llumiquinga taking on the role of Julio. This choice enhances the film’s authenticity, as Barragán finds something captivating in working with adolescents. “I also really enjoy working with adolescents because I feel they carry something hypnotic, something raw,” she explains.
To prepare her cast, Barragán engaged them in a five-month acting workshop, nurturing trust and rapport. “We spent a lot of time working together beforehand to build that trust and connection,” she notes. The process included improvisational exercises that helped the actors discover their characters organically.
Festival Screenings and Recognition
“The Ivy” is produced by Botón Films (Ecuador), BHD Films (Mexico), Ciné-Sud Promotion (France), and Guspira Films (Spain). The project was supported by Karla Souza, known for her role in “Dive,” who initially intended to play the lead but later stepped back to take on the role of executive producer.
After its premiere in Venice, Barragán plans to screen the film at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where she developed its script while studying at the prestigious Elias Querejeta Film School. The film has already garnered accolades, winning the Special Ciné+ Prize and the CCAS Prize at Cinélatino Toulouse Films in Progress 2025.
World sales for “The Ivy” are managed by Bendita Film Sales, ensuring the film reaches an international audience. Barragán’s work continues to resonate with viewers, drawing attention to the complex emotional landscapes of childhood and the enduring impact of trauma.
