“Arenas” documents the 1973 migration of a Chilean family fleeing the Pinochet dictatorship and rebuilding their lives in Costa Rica. Through a blend of testimony and personal reflection, the film explores the emotional and logistical challenges of uprooting an entire family, while also following the filmmaker’s own attempt to navigate and heal long-standing tensions within her lineage. The story unfolds as both a historical portrait and an introspective search for connection across generations.
Directing this project required thoughtful adaptation to the restrictions of the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. Because the interviewees were older adults, the process prioritized safety through remote interviews, minimal crew movement, and strict distancing protocols. These limitations led to a creative reliance on archival elements, including family photographs and rescued personal materials, which became essential to shaping the film’s visual language. Engaging deeply with elderly family members also presented an emotional challenge—bridging personal history with documentary storytelling to create an honest and resonant experience for the audience.
