Chilean filmmaker Manuela Martelli is returning to the Cannes Film Festival, where her second feature, "El Deshielo," will vie for honors in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. Festival organizers officially confirmed the film's selection this week, positioning the project as a major contender in one of the event's most influential categories.
This selection marks a significant career milestone for Martelli, who made her directorial debut at the festival in 2022 with "1976." That debut earned critical acclaim during the Caméra d'or competition, establishing the Chilean director as a notable voice in international cinema.
A chilling mystery in the mountains
"El Deshielo," which translates to "The Thaw," follows a 10-year-old girl named Inés. While vacationing at her grandparents' hotel in the high mountains, Inés strikes up a friendship with a local teenager. The narrative takes a dark turn when the girl suddenly disappears, leaving Inés to navigate the mystery.
The film features a prominent cast of Chilean actors, including Paulina García and Mauricio Pesutic. Industry observers view the project as a pivotal follow-up to Martelli’s previous work, which was noted for its tension and historical resonance.
The Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 12 through May 23, 2026. As the event approaches, the inclusion of "El Deshielo" highlights the continued presence of Latin American filmmakers on the global stage.
Martelli, who gained early international recognition as an actress in the influential film "Machuca," has transitioned successfully into directing. Producers expect the film to draw significant attention from both European distributors and festival audiences during its premiere on the French Riviera.
