Portrait of My Father

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Juan Ignacio Fernández Hoppe's journey begins with a childhood tragedy: his father's mysterious death at a beach, surrounded by psychotropic medication. Despite the possibility of suicide, Juan's mother, a psychiatrist, decides against an autopsy. This pivotal moment shapes Juan's life, leaving him with unanswered questions as he grows up.

Thirty years later, armed with a box of his father's belongings, Juan embarks on a quest to unravel his father's identity. He discovers a multifaceted man: a unique musician and a compassionate music therapist for disabled teenagers.

Using a minimalist approach in his filmmaking, Juan interviews family members against a blank white backdrop, presenting personal items like artifacts. Each lead he pursues adds a layer to his father's story, from contacting former pupils and colleagues to uncovering deep, lasting impacts. Through this process, Juan's film evolves into a poignant exploration of loss, depression, and love.

“A son seeks to understand the death of his father in a documentary thriller that is the best of Uruguayan cinema.”— Fernán Cisnero, El País

“A stirring film, one of those that expand over time and gain depth.”— Emanuel Bremermann, El Observador

“The end of the film is one of the best final shots that Uruguayan cinema has given.”— Agustín Acevedo Kanopa, La Diaria

“An intimate documentary, a superlative family x-ray and a kind of autopsy that was so long-awaited.”— Hernán Cabral, Bo mirá

“Portrait of My Father is a deep, emotional and memorable work.”— Diego Faraone, Brecha

“Formally rigorous and intimate” — María Campania Rammia, IDFA

“A very beautiful and healing ending” — David Obarrio, BAFICI

A MARC record for this title is not available yet.

Keywords

Portrait of My Father,El retrato de mi padreJjuan IgnacioFernandez Hoppe,Alicia Hoppe,documentary,drama,thriller,family,father,mother,son,fatherhood,orphan,love,forgiveness,memory,legacy,healing,mental health,psychiatry,depression,drug addiction,suicide,death,music,experimental,musico therapy,Uruguay,family,kin,fellowship,household,immediate family,extended family,multigenerational family,multigenerational household,kinfolk,family tree,genealogy,nuclear family,modern family,family tree,mental illness,therapy,trauma,behavioral health,mental disability,psychology,psychiatry,social work,wellbeing,counselor,diagnosis,mentally disabled,mental incapacitation,mentally defective,mental handicap,mental defective,psychotic break,psychosis,psychoses,mentally sound,questionable mental health,urban studies,urbanism,community development,communities,urbanization,civic centers,satellite cities,residential areas,gentrification,barrioization,boomtown,bedroom communities,city block,city center,community displacement,white flight,walkability,zoning,housing,incorporated areas,unincorporated areas,suburbs,exurbs,inner cities,inner city,conservation ,family,kin,fellowship,household,immediate family,extended family,multigenerational family,multigenerational household,kinfolk,family tree,genealogy,nuclear family,modern family,family tree,south america,south american countries,countries in south america,argentina,bolivia,brazil,chile,colombia,ecuador,guyana,paraguay,peru,suriname,uruguay,venezuela,south american politics,south american culture,south american cuisine,south american education,south america in media,south american languages,south america history,biography,autobiography,biopic,memoir,life history,bio,biographer,biographical,personal account,personal history,diary,personal narrative,sketch,profile,personal letters,letters,journal,personal record,culture,identity,identity politics,culture wars,left wing,right wing,intersectionality,identity groups,civilization,literacy,humanism,cancel culture,online culture,cultural revolution,cultural diffusion,culture shock,popular culture,pop culture,material culture,cultural capital,cultural assimilation ,health,healthy,physical health,mental health,emotional health,health equity,public health,health care,health policy,fitness,veracity,welfare,soundness,aging,age,old age,senior,youth,middle age,aging gracefully,advanced age,collective health,maturity; "Portrait of My Father"; Pragda Films

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