Particle.news

Download on the App Store

‘Belén’ Opens in Argentina, Dolores Fonzi’s Film on a Tucumán Obstetric Case

The release revives scrutiny of Argentina’s treatment of obstetric emergencies across courts and hospitals.

Overview

  • The feature began its national run this week, bringing a high-profile retelling of the 2014 Tucumán case back into public view.
  • Dolores Fonzi directs and stars, co-writing with Laura Paredes and drawing on research and meetings with lawyer Soledad Deza, who worked on the real case.
  • The film dramatizes how a young woman seeking emergency care was accused, jailed, and later absolved following legal challenges and feminist mobilization.
  • Coverage cites a 2020 report counting more than 1,500 women in Argentina criminalized over abortions or related obstetric emergencies, with disproportionate impact on poorer sectors.
  • The production was preselected to represent Argentina at the Oscars and Goya awards and will compete at San Sebastián, including for the Concha de Oro and the Agenda 2030 prize.