DIRECTOR: Leticia Tonos Paniagua
STARRING: Sophie Gomez, Jalsen Santana, Paz Vega
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 31 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
In a nearby future a conservation biologist battles extinction with the help of an A.I., but after the arrival of an enigmatic traveler with a hidden past, the tension in this ménage à trois will be as toxic as the world they live in.
***
Aire: Just Breathe is the directorial debut feature for Leticia Tonos Paniagua. The film was the winner of The Fantastic Pavilion Award at Cannes 2023 and it was selected for the Big Screen competition in Rotterdam, where it had its worldwide debut. It also played at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. The film was released in theatres across Dominican Republic in August 2024.
The film was picked by the Dominican Republic Film Academy.
The film is produced by Línea Espiral, Menos es Más Producciones, Lantica Studios and Contrasentido, with Leticia Tonos Paniagua and Jalsen Santana leading the production.
Aire: Just Breathe is a drama and it was filmed in the Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.
To check out all previous submissions for Dominican Republic, click HERE.
STARRING: Sophie Gomez, Jalsen Santana, Paz Vega
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 31 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
In a nearby future a conservation biologist battles extinction with the help of an A.I., but after the arrival of an enigmatic traveler with a hidden past, the tension in this ménage à trois will be as toxic as the world they live in.
***
Aire: Just Breathe is the directorial debut feature for Leticia Tonos Paniagua. The film was the winner of The Fantastic Pavilion Award at Cannes 2023 and it was selected for the Big Screen competition in Rotterdam, where it had its worldwide debut. It also played at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. The film was released in theatres across Dominican Republic in August 2024.
The film was picked by the Dominican Republic Film Academy.
The film is produced by Línea Espiral, Menos es Más Producciones, Lantica Studios and Contrasentido, with Leticia Tonos Paniagua and Jalsen Santana leading the production.
Aire: Just Breathe is a drama and it was filmed in the Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.
To check out all previous submissions for Dominican Republic, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“I decided to do all within my reach to avoid our extinction. Now I realize it’s madness.”
Aire: Just Breathe is an emotionally charged, thought-provoking sci-fi drama that masterfully blends themes of survival, connection, and the fragility of the human condition. Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by chemical warfare, the film takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of its three central characters: Tania, a determined scientist, Vida, an artificial intelligence with growing self-awareness, and Azarias, a mysterious traveler with a troubled past. Through stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere, Aire: Just Breathe creates a tense and immersive experience that is both captivating and deeply reflective.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the relationship between humans and technology. Vida, the AI, is not just a tool but a fully realized character with her own desires and fears, which brings a new layer of depth to the narrative. The dynamic between Tania and Vida is brilliantly portrayed, as the AI’s increasing emotional complexity raises questions about the nature of identity and the boundaries of artificial consciousness. Vida’s subtle but palpable jealousy when Azarias enters the picture adds tension and complexity, making the viewer question who or what truly deserves Tania’s loyalty.
Azarias, as the enigmatic traveler, injects both mystery and vulnerability into the film. His arrival disrupts the fragile balance Tania has created in her isolated world, and the chemistry between him and Tania builds slowly but convincingly. Azarias’ backstory and the secrets he carries add layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping the audience on edge as they wonder whether he is friend or foe. His presence also challenges Tania’s understanding of trust, and the emotional journey they embark on together adds much-needed warmth to the bleak setting.
The film’s cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The harsh, desolate landscape mirrors the characters’ emotional isolation, while the intimate, close-up shots of their interactions emphasize the claustrophobic tension between them. The use of light and shadow effectively heightens the atmosphere, and the minimalist score enhances the feeling of impending doom. Director Leticia Tonos Paniagua skillfully balances moments of quiet reflection with bursts of action, keeping the pacing steady while allowing the audience to absorb the weight of the story.
Aire: Just Breathe is an expertly crafted film that blends science fiction with deep emotional resonance. Its exploration of isolation, human connection, and the ethics of artificial intelligence make it a standout in the genre. The performances are stellar, particularly from Sophie Gómez as Tania and Jalsen Santana as Azarias, and Vida’s portrayal as an AI with growing autonomy is both chilling and sympathetic. This is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving the viewer with profound questions about humanity’s future and the relationships we build in the face of extinction.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“I decided to do all within my reach to avoid our extinction. Now I realize it’s madness.”
Aire: Just Breathe is an emotionally charged, thought-provoking sci-fi drama that masterfully blends themes of survival, connection, and the fragility of the human condition. Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by chemical warfare, the film takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of its three central characters: Tania, a determined scientist, Vida, an artificial intelligence with growing self-awareness, and Azarias, a mysterious traveler with a troubled past. Through stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere, Aire: Just Breathe creates a tense and immersive experience that is both captivating and deeply reflective.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the relationship between humans and technology. Vida, the AI, is not just a tool but a fully realized character with her own desires and fears, which brings a new layer of depth to the narrative. The dynamic between Tania and Vida is brilliantly portrayed, as the AI’s increasing emotional complexity raises questions about the nature of identity and the boundaries of artificial consciousness. Vida’s subtle but palpable jealousy when Azarias enters the picture adds tension and complexity, making the viewer question who or what truly deserves Tania’s loyalty.
Azarias, as the enigmatic traveler, injects both mystery and vulnerability into the film. His arrival disrupts the fragile balance Tania has created in her isolated world, and the chemistry between him and Tania builds slowly but convincingly. Azarias’ backstory and the secrets he carries add layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping the audience on edge as they wonder whether he is friend or foe. His presence also challenges Tania’s understanding of trust, and the emotional journey they embark on together adds much-needed warmth to the bleak setting.
The film’s cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The harsh, desolate landscape mirrors the characters’ emotional isolation, while the intimate, close-up shots of their interactions emphasize the claustrophobic tension between them. The use of light and shadow effectively heightens the atmosphere, and the minimalist score enhances the feeling of impending doom. Director Leticia Tonos Paniagua skillfully balances moments of quiet reflection with bursts of action, keeping the pacing steady while allowing the audience to absorb the weight of the story.
Aire: Just Breathe is an expertly crafted film that blends science fiction with deep emotional resonance. Its exploration of isolation, human connection, and the ethics of artificial intelligence make it a standout in the genre. The performances are stellar, particularly from Sophie Gómez as Tania and Jalsen Santana as Azarias, and Vida’s portrayal as an AI with growing autonomy is both chilling and sympathetic. This is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving the viewer with profound questions about humanity’s future and the relationships we build in the face of extinction.
