Chilean filmmaker Maite Alberdi, known for her acclaimed documentaries, has returned to her roots with her latest project, “A Child of My Own.” Following the success of her first fiction feature, “In Her Place,” Alberdi once again explores the boundaries between documentary and fiction in this new film.
Premiering at the Berlinale in a special presentation, “A Child of My Own” tells the story of Alejandra, who, under pressure from her new husband and his family, decides to fake a pregnancy to please them. What begins as a simple lie soon spirals into a complex web of deception that Alejandra must maintain for months. As the charade takes its toll on her, Alejandra finds herself crossing a line from which there is no turning back.
Alberdi was inspired to make the film after meeting Alejandra during another project in Mexico. She was struck by the woman’s story of pretending to be pregnant for an extended period and was fascinated by the reasons behind such a drastic decision. The film explores the impact of Alejandra’s choice and the environment of chauvinism in which she found herself.
Using a docu-fiction format, Alberdi combines staged scenes with actors and traditional documentary elements like interviews and archival footage to tell Alejandra’s story over a span of 16 years. The film offers a unique perspective on Alejandra’s journey, allowing viewers to see how she has come to understand her actions and their consequences over time.
Produced by Gato Grande for Netflix, “A Child of My Own” features a talented cast of Mexican actors who worked closely with the real people they were portraying. Alberdi notes the challenge of finding actors who could embody these characters authentically and praises the cast for their dedication to the role.
Premiering at the Berlin Film Festival, Alberdi is excited to engage in discussions with audiences and the press about the film’s themes and impact. With a script written by the team behind “The Clan” and a multicultural production team, “A Child of My Own” promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of one woman’s extraordinary story.
In conclusion, Alberdi emphasizes her preference for working with reality as a starting point for her stories, whether in documentary or fiction format. For her, the essence of storytelling lies in capturing the truth of human experiences and emotions, a philosophy that shines through in “A Child of My Own.”
