Locarno's 'Illusion of an Everlasting Summer' is a captivating debut feature by photographer-turned-director Alessandra Sanguinetti, offering a unique perspective on the passage of time and the lives of two cousins, Guillermina and Belinda. The film's premise revolves around the cousins' desire to accelerate the inevitable passing of time, as they grow up, fall in love, and raise children, all while slowly drifting apart over two and a half decades. This personal journey is captured through Sanguinetti's intimate lens, blending photography and video to create a distinct aesthetic.
Sanguinetti's relationship with the cousins, spanning over 25 years, is a testament to the organic nature of the project. She describes her role as an observer, capturing the girls' performances and the slow, subtle changes in their lives. The static framing and pixelated vignettes of tranquil farmland in her work evoke a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time, mirroring the formal similarities to Alexandre Koberidze's 'Dry Leaf'. However, Sanguinetti's approach differs, using the grainy footage to capture the girls' performances and the director's presence as a natural prop, allowing life to flow in front of her lens.
The film's strength lies in its ability to reveal patterns in the girls' lives, showcasing how seemingly ordinary moments can define one's trajectory. Sanguinetti's perspective as an outsider, not a mother, allows her to observe and understand the girls' choices and achievements. The film also explores the importance of animals in the rural ecosystem, highlighting the interconnectedness of humans and nature. This personal connection to the subject matter is evident in her sentiment that animals are equal to humans and their role in the area's existence.
'Illusion of an Everlasting Summer' is a thought-provoking and emotional journey, offering a unique perspective on the passage of time and the lives of two cousins. Sanguinetti's direction and storytelling create a captivating and intimate experience, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
