A teenage girl’s act of defiance exposes the injustices of a corrupt system.
In Rita, director Jayro Bustamante brings a powerful blend of magical realism and social commentary to tell the story of a 13 year-old girl. After fleeing her abusive home, Rita is placed in a state-run facility where she discovers an even darker reality surrounding other young girls trapped in similar circumstances.
Inspired by the tragic events of the 2017 Guatemalan orphanage fire, where 41 young girls lost their lives protesting their inhumane living conditions, Rita sheds light on the resilience of the girls who fought for justice, despite society’s attempts to silence them. Bustamante uses elements of fantasy to challenge the narrative that criminalized these girls, instead highlighting their bravery. Following his critically acclaimed La Llorona (2019), Bustamante once again intertwines sociopolitical themes with folklore, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged film.
