M-Appeal Secures Global Distribution for 'When I Existed', Set for Tallinn Black Nights Premiere
"When I Existed," a heartfelt drama-comedy described as a contemporary parable with a Kafkaesque touch, has been picked up for international distribution by M-Appeal, a Berlin-based sales agency known for its discerning selection of Latin American cinema. The film, marking the directorial debut for Uruguay's Alejandro Damiani and Martin Avdolov, generated significant buzz at the Cannes Market's Ventana Sur Goes to Cannes event.
The narrative centers on Silvio Bertolini, who, after four decades of building a successful gate manufacturing company, faces an existential crisis upon retirement when he discovers that he has been registered as deceased by the national pension fund and his bank. This bureaucratic nightmare forces him to navigate a labyrinthine system while simultaneously reconnecting with past friendships and reassessing the true meaning of life. The film highlights the importance of human connection and personal reinvention, as Silvio grapples with a system that has effectively erased his existence, compelling him to rediscover what it means to be truly alive, especially in relation to his wife who envisions a new chapter for their shared life.
César Troncoso delivers a nuanced performance as Silvio, portraying a spectrum of emotions from quiet resilience to righteous indignation, anxiety-induced paralysis, and profound longing. His performance, alongside Silvia Kutica as his increasingly distant wife, anchors the film's emotional depth. The movie, a collaborative international production led by Federico Cetta of Uruguay’s El Cielo Cine, explores critical themes of systemic dehumanization, self-absorption, and the potential for alienation in a technologically driven world. Directors Damiani and Avdolov, drawing partly from their own experiences, emphasize the film as a testament to the necessity of authentic living and pursuing meaningful projects, resisting the automatic and artificial currents of modern life. They meticulously crafted every detail to convey their deeply personal message about rediscovering purpose.
This film serves as a poignant reminder that life's true essence lies not in societal obligations or professional achievements, but in genuine human connection and the pursuit of personal meaning. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives, challenge the automatic rhythms of daily existence, and actively choose paths that foster joy, love, and authentic self-expression. "When I Existed" champions the idea that it is never too late to redefine one's purpose and embrace the people and experiences that truly enrich life.
