Contactado

It has been a while since the self-proclaimed prophet Aldo was preaching by the shore. His alter ego, Aldemar, was once a renowned persona famous for his spiritual insight, but has become a bygone chapter in the graying man’s life. Until he meets Gabriel, a young man who adores the aging prophet, this strange meeting leads to an even stranger friendship.

Contactado addresses topics such as faith and doubt, hope and desperation. While the protagonist represents hope for many who are hopeless, his prophecies have also done irreparable harm. Director Marité Ugás has been inspired by Albert Camus' novel The Stranger. Through extensive use of a handheld camera, she conveys Aldo's inner turmoil in a manner reminiscent of Meursault’s existential crisis. 

This text is from the Films from the South Festival, where the film had its Scandinavian Premiere.

Elias Bakken Johansen (Films from the South 2020)