DIRECTOR: Arianne Benedetti
STARRING: Arianne Benedetti, Mila Romedetti, Erick Elias
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 38 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
Ali decides to move to a small town in the mountains with her little daughter Sofia after her devastating separation from her husband. Weeks later, she will be immersed in the mysterious atmosphere of the place and then have an accident and realize that her daughter has disappeared.
***
Wake Up Mama is the latest film from Arianne Benedetti. This is her second time being submitted for Panama after previously representing them in 2017 with Beyond Brotherhood. She wrote, directed, produced and stars in the film, which also stars her real-life daughter Mila Romedetti and Erick Elías.
The Panamanian Academy announced that Wake Up Mama would be their submission on September 12.
It is produced by TreeHouse Studios Panamá.
Wake Up Mama is a drama and it was filmed in El Valle de Anton in Panama.
To check out all previous submissions for Panama, click HERE.
STARRING: Arianne Benedetti, Mila Romedetti, Erick Elias
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 38 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
Ali decides to move to a small town in the mountains with her little daughter Sofia after her devastating separation from her husband. Weeks later, she will be immersed in the mysterious atmosphere of the place and then have an accident and realize that her daughter has disappeared.
***
Wake Up Mama is the latest film from Arianne Benedetti. This is her second time being submitted for Panama after previously representing them in 2017 with Beyond Brotherhood. She wrote, directed, produced and stars in the film, which also stars her real-life daughter Mila Romedetti and Erick Elías.
The Panamanian Academy announced that Wake Up Mama would be their submission on September 12.
It is produced by TreeHouse Studios Panamá.
Wake Up Mama is a drama and it was filmed in El Valle de Anton in Panama.
To check out all previous submissions for Panama, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“The path of others is long, but ours end here.”
Wake Up Mama, directed, written by, and starring Arianne Benedetti, is a gripping emotional thriller that seizes your attention from the opening scenes and refuses to let go. The story follows a mother who, after surviving a tragic accident, awakens to the terrifying realization that her daughter has disappeared. From that moment, the film takes viewers on a relentless journey as she delves into her past, battling overwhelming emotional turmoil in her desperate search.
The film masterfully weaves together high-stakes tension and emotional depth, creating a rich narrative experience. Each scene is meticulously crafted to build suspense, using pacing and timing to reveal crucial secrets at just the right moments. These well-timed revelations keep the audience engaged and on edge, with unexpected twists that add layers to the story. However, what truly sets the film apart is the emotional resonance that lies beneath the surface. While the tension drives the plot forward, the emotional undercurrents give the characters depth, making their struggles, fears, and vulnerabilities feel palpable and real. This balance allows viewers to not only be immersed in the thriller elements but also to connect deeply with the emotional journeys of the characters.
Benedetti excels as both director and lead actress. Her portrayal of a determined mother, driven to the brink by fear and uncertainty, is both raw and powerful. Her performance is the heart of the film, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to the role. It’s clear Benedetti poured her soul into this project, delivering a deeply personal and emotionally charged performance. Her on-screen chemistry with Mila Romedetti, who plays her daughter, elevates the emotional stakes of the film. Despite limited screen time, Romedetti’s performance is magnetic, and the mother-daughter bond they create feels genuine, anchoring the film’s emotional core.
Wake Up Mama is striking. The cinematography beautifully showcases Panama’s diverse landscapes, from its rugged mountains to its quiet rural settings. These natural backdrops provide a strong sense of place, grounding the narrative while also highlighting the country’s rich visual appeal. Every shot feels thoughtfully crafted, adding to the film’s immersive quality.
Wake Up Mama is a testament to the growing confidence of Panamanian cinema. Its storytelling, performances, and production values reflect an industry that’s finding its voice and gaining momentum. Benedetti has crafted a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, marking her as a standout talent. As Panama continues to produce films like this, it’s clear that its cinema is on an exciting upward trajectory. Wake Up Mama is a shining example of the vibrant talent emerging from the region.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“The path of others is long, but ours end here.”
Wake Up Mama, directed, written by, and starring Arianne Benedetti, is a gripping emotional thriller that seizes your attention from the opening scenes and refuses to let go. The story follows a mother who, after surviving a tragic accident, awakens to the terrifying realization that her daughter has disappeared. From that moment, the film takes viewers on a relentless journey as she delves into her past, battling overwhelming emotional turmoil in her desperate search.
The film masterfully weaves together high-stakes tension and emotional depth, creating a rich narrative experience. Each scene is meticulously crafted to build suspense, using pacing and timing to reveal crucial secrets at just the right moments. These well-timed revelations keep the audience engaged and on edge, with unexpected twists that add layers to the story. However, what truly sets the film apart is the emotional resonance that lies beneath the surface. While the tension drives the plot forward, the emotional undercurrents give the characters depth, making their struggles, fears, and vulnerabilities feel palpable and real. This balance allows viewers to not only be immersed in the thriller elements but also to connect deeply with the emotional journeys of the characters.
Benedetti excels as both director and lead actress. Her portrayal of a determined mother, driven to the brink by fear and uncertainty, is both raw and powerful. Her performance is the heart of the film, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to the role. It’s clear Benedetti poured her soul into this project, delivering a deeply personal and emotionally charged performance. Her on-screen chemistry with Mila Romedetti, who plays her daughter, elevates the emotional stakes of the film. Despite limited screen time, Romedetti’s performance is magnetic, and the mother-daughter bond they create feels genuine, anchoring the film’s emotional core.
Wake Up Mama is striking. The cinematography beautifully showcases Panama’s diverse landscapes, from its rugged mountains to its quiet rural settings. These natural backdrops provide a strong sense of place, grounding the narrative while also highlighting the country’s rich visual appeal. Every shot feels thoughtfully crafted, adding to the film’s immersive quality.
Wake Up Mama is a testament to the growing confidence of Panamanian cinema. Its storytelling, performances, and production values reflect an industry that’s finding its voice and gaining momentum. Benedetti has crafted a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, marking her as a standout talent. As Panama continues to produce films like this, it’s clear that its cinema is on an exciting upward trajectory. Wake Up Mama is a shining example of the vibrant talent emerging from the region.
