MTV Documentary Films is thrilled to announce the return theatrical engagement of the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Eternal Memory. Directed by Maite Alberdi, this heartwarming love story has been compared to the narrative features Amour and Doctor Zhivago by Deadline. The film will captivate audiences through a month-long engagement starting today. Exclusive screenings will be held at the prestigious IFC Center in New York and at two locations in the Los Angeles area: Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica and Laemmle Glendale.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, MTV Documentary Films has planned a very special event on the evening of February 14th. Couples in the San Francisco Bay Area can enjoy a drive-in screening of The Eternal Memory at the West Wind Drive-In theater. This enchanting event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary love story of Paulina and Augusto, beautifully captured in Alberdi’s film.
The Eternal Memory follows the captivating journey of Augusto and Paulina, a couple who have shared a profound love for over two decades. Their lives took an unexpected turn when Augusto was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago. Augusto, a prominent cultural commentator and television presenter in Chile, utilizes his lifelong expertise in building an archive of memory to navigate the challenges brought upon by his diagnosis.
With the unwavering support of Paulina, a renowned actress and former Chilean Minister of Culture, Augusto strives to maintain his identity despite the cruel grasp of Alzheimer’s. Their boundless tender affection and shared sense of humor remain fully intact, allowing them to confront each day’s challenges with unparalleled strength and resilience.
The Eternal Memory unveils Augusto Góngora’s pivotal role in Chile’s rich history. During the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990, Góngora documented the opposition of the people, standing as a voice for change. Following Pinochet’s fall, Góngora played an instrumental part in revitalizing Chile’s cultural vitality. By reconnecting the nation with its pre-Pinochet traditions and values, he helped restore the essence of Chile’s identity.
Tragically, Augusto Góngora passed away in May 2023 at the age of 71. His remarkable journey, captured in The Eternal Memory, serves as a testament to the power of memory, both personal and collective. While Alzheimer’s disease may be the backdrop of the film, its core essence lies in the exploration of historical and collective memory.
A Deep Emotional Connection
Maite Alberdi, the director of The Eternal Memory, perceives the film as a reflection of collective and historical memory, rather than solely focusing on Alzheimer’s. The emotional resonance evoked by the film leaves a lasting impact on viewers. Alberdi shared her delight upon receiving the Oscar nomination, expressing the immense emotional involvement of audiences who have experienced the film firsthand. Her initial celebratory call was to Paulina Urrutia, where the profound significance of the nomination was embraced with heartfelt tears.
The Eternal Memory received critical acclaim following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film won the top prize for international documentary and continues to garner praise. It was honored as the Best Non-Fiction Film by the New York Film Critics Online, among other prestigious accolades. Furthermore, Maite Alberdi received the Best Director award at the Cinema Eye Honors, tying with Kaouther Ben Hania, director of Four Daughters, another Oscar nominee.
Maite Alberdi’s remarkable talent and dedication will be showcased in the Women’s Panel at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 17th. As an esteemed visionary in the world of filmmaking, Alberdi’s contributions continue to shape the documentary genre. The Eternal Memory stands as a testament to her storytelling prowess and artistic brilliance.
Directed and produced by Maite Alberdi, The Eternal Memory represents the epitome of passion and resilience. The film is also produced by Juan De Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, and Rocío Jadue, with a team of esteemed executive producers. The Eternal Memory presents a profound exploration of love, memory, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
In a testament to the film’s exceptional quality, The Eternal Memory is one of two documentaries from MTV Documentary Films to earn Oscar nominations this year. Its ability to touch audiences’ hearts and invoke introspection is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the unequivocal mastery of Maite Alberdi.
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