Silvestre Pantaleón

Silvestre Pantaleón is plagued by the aches and pains of old age. He seeks help from the village healer, who recommends a complex ritual in order to cure his ailments. An accomplished maguey fibre craftsman, Silvestre enlists the help of his family to manufacture and sell a special ceremonial rope in order to pay for his cure. While reflecting on the limits of his self-sufficiency he skilfully tackles the laborious task of making ropes the traditional way. Set against vast desert landscapes and a warm violin leitmotif, this intricate portrait characterises the futile attempt to temporarily pause the passage of time. (Berlinale)