Locarno Golden Leopard Winner Milagros Mumenthaler Talks ‘The Currents,’ Visual Memory and First Male-Led Project

Argentine-Swiss writer-director Milagros Mumenthaler is developing a new film that will feature a young male protagonist, a departure from her previous work. Mumenthaler discussed this upcoming project on Thursday, June 11, following her masterclass at the ECAM Forum in Madrid. The film is currently in its initial stages of development. Her most recent film, "The Currents" (original title: "Les courants"), won the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival. Mumenthaler described "The Currents" as a project deeply connected to visual memory and the exploration of how images shape our understanding of the past. She also noted that the film delves into the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the lingering impact of historical events on personal lives. The director has previously explored themes of memory, identity, and the weight of history in her acclaimed short films, including "El día que no fue" (2012) and "Fracaso escolar" (2013). Her debut feature film, "Back to the Steppes" (original title: "Back to the Steppes"), premiered at the Berlinale in 2015. Mumenthaler's storytelling often employs a lyrical and evocative visual style, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and broader societal narratives. The shift to a male-led narrative suggests a new avenue for her to explore these recurring thematic concerns.