Luna Rosa: La 7ª ascensión de Atabey

A science-fiction, dystopian plot; anti-colonialist and feminist politics; a variety of details from indigenous religion and myth; a personal journey to one’s own past and roots: those are some of the elements conjured up by Omar Rodríguez-López in this inventive, ambitious, experimental film.

Set in the future, on the island of Borinquen (the original, indigenous name by which Puerto Rico is popularly known), Luna Rosa: La 7ª ascensión de Atabey narrates the epic journey of Zur’na (powerfully interpreted by Flora Sylvestre). The unexpected arrival and immediate kidnapping of her brother will disrupt Zur’na’s quiet, secluded life. In the company of Vyeñu – a neighbour whose talkative nature contrasts with the woman’s stoic, silent presence – she will embark on an adventure to rescue her missing brother. But, during her time in the colony which is controlled by imperialist US forces, she’ll also discover the underpinning of a complex power-network that enslaves her people.

A science-fiction, dystopian plot; anti-colonialist and feminist politics; a variety of details from indigenous religion and myth; a personal journey to one’s own past and roots: these are some of the elements conjured by this inventive, ambitious and experimental film. With black-and-white cinematography and fantastic B-movie touches, Puerto Rican director Omar Rodríguez-López – who is also a noted musician – builds a compelling and dark universe full of secrets, tensions, bloody rituals and mind-control.

– Cristina Álvarez López

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