Reel Español
Australian Premiere

Ma Ma

Director

Julio Medem

Cast

  • Penélope Cruz, Luis Tosar, Asier Etxeandia, Teo Planell, Silvia Abascal
2015, 122 min, SPAIN/FRANCE
DRAMA
SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
MA15+
Beautiful to watch and elegantly designed.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

In one of Penélope Cruz’s finest-ever performances, the beloved actress powerfully depicts a woman experiencing major life challenges with an indefatigable dignity, persevering in the only way she knows how.

Magda (Cruz) is separated from her husband and is entirely dedicated to young son Dani (Teo Planell), her pride and joy. Her world is upended when she is diagnosed with breast cancer, but she refuses to be defined by it. During her treatment she meets soccer scout Arturo (Luis Tosar), who is contending with changes and loss of his own. A relationship develops between the two, and as they support one another through hardships and treatment, their love gives life to – and joy in – events that are both unexpected and illuminating.

Ma Ma is Cruz’s first venture into producing, and with acclaimed director Julio Medem (A Room in Rome, Sex & Lucia) she delivers nothing short of a spectacular ode to female strength in the times of greatest adversity.

NOTE: THE FESTIVAL IS PROUDLY PRESENTING MEDEM’S ORIGINAL CUT, WHICH EXPANDS THE MOTIVATIONS OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS AND INCLUDES DEPICTIONS OF SEXUALITY THAT WERE EXCISED FOR THE SPANISH THEATRICAL RELEASE.

  • NOMINATION 2016
    Goya Awards: Best Actress
    NOMINATION 2016
    José María Forqué Awards: Best Actress