FILM SYNOPSIS:

Nature and nurture go hand-in-hand, in this tender story of father, son and fishing. Jorge and Roberta have been separated for several years. They simply come from opposite worlds: he likes an uncomplicated life in the jungle, while she prefers a more urban existence. He is Mexican and she is Italian, and she has decided to return for Rome with their five-year-old son Natan. Intent on teaching Natan about their Mayan heritage, Jorge takes him to the pristine Chinchorro reef, where his father lives, and eases him into the rhythms of a fisherman’s life. At first the boy is physically and emotionally uncomfortable, and gets seasick on the boat taking them to their destination. But as the bond between father and son grows stronger, Natan learns to live in harmony with life above and below the surface of the sea.

A gently told blend of documentary and fiction, Alamar is poetic filmmaking that foregrounds the peace and beauty of a fragile environment. An audience favorite and winner of many festivals including the Tiger Award at Rotterdam, and Jury Prizes at Miami, Montreal and San Francisco Film Festivals.

DIRECTOR’S BIOGRAPHY:

Pedro GONZALEZ-RUBIO (1976, Belgium) has Mexican parents and lived for some years in India during his teens. He studied media in Mexico City before attending the London Film School. He has been the cinematographer for several films, among which Born Without (2007) by Eva Norvind. Toro negro (2005) was his documentary debut. Alamar (2009) is his feature film debut.