Sundance 2023 interviews: MAMACRUZ director Patricia Ortega

MAMACRUZ (Director Patricia Ortega)

The Sundance description: Devoutly religious Cruz leads a routine existence with her husband and precocious granddaughter Viky, while her daughter Carlota chases her dream of becoming a professional dancer in Vienna. A single errant click while attempting to navigate the internet momentarily exposes Cruz to online pornography. She’s mortified but suddenly reminded of her own desires. Initially unsure of where to aim her newly rediscovered sensuality, Cruz fruitlessly looks to her beloved church and befuddled husband for satisfaction before finding solace in a women’s sex therapy group and beginning a tentative journey toward self-love.

My personal thoughts on MAMACRUZ: A film – and subject – that could so easily have gone into a clownish or overtly provocative direction actually has a loving restraint, while still not shying away from its story of an elderly woman having a sexual reawakening while still honoring her devout faith. It is funny, but sweet, and deals with sexuality in a direct, yet entertaining way that films made in the states still haven’t figured out. I was completely charmed by the film.