Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón has consistently drawn from her own life experiences to create deeply personal and evocative films. Her latest work, Romería is no exception. This cinematic journey delves into the complexities of family, memory, and identity, offering a poignant exploration of Simón’s own past.
The film follows 18-year-old Marina, played by Llúcia Garcia, as she travels to the seaside town of Vigo in Galicia to uncover the truths about her parents. Set in 2004, Romería mirrors Simón’s own quest to understand her family history, particularly the lives of her parents who passed away when she was young.
Carla Simón’s Personal Journey
Simón’s films have always been deeply personal, with her debut Summer 1993 and follow-up Alcarràs exploring themes of family and identity. Romería continues this tradition, offering a fictionalized retelling of how her parents fell in love and struggled with drug addiction. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026 and has since garnered critical acclaim.
Simón’s own experiences with her adoptive and biological families have deeply influenced her work. She has described having three very big families which has given her a unique perspective on the complexities of family dynamics. Romería allowed her to close something about her family, about her past, about her memory providing a sense of resolution and healing.
The Casting Process and Performance
Casting the lead role of Marina was a challenging process for Simón. She needed an actress who could embody both Marina and her mother, a dual role that required a deep understanding of the characters’ complexities. Llúcia Garcia, a newcomer found in the lively neighborhood of Gràcia in Barcelona, was chosen for her innocence and curiosity, qualities that Simón saw in herself as a teenager.
Garcia’s preparation for the role was intensive. Simón provided her with her mother’s letters, which were adapted into a diary for the film. Garcia also watched several films about drug addiction, including ArrebatoThe Panic in Needle Park and Christiane F to gain a deeper understanding of the era and the characters’ struggles. The film’s most ravishing sequence finds Marina stepping into her mother’s shoes, a powerful and emotional portrayal of the characters’ interconnected lives.
Themes and Influences
Romería explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling. Marina’s journey to understand her past is mirrored in Simón’s own quest to uncover the truths about her parents. The film’s voiceover narration, based on Simón’s mother’s diaries, provides a contextual framework that enriches the narrative.
The film’s visual beauty is a testament to the collaboration between Simón and cinematographer Hélène Louvart. The coastal landscapes of Galicia are captured with a glittering beauty that enhances the film’s emotional depth. Simón’s choice to set the film in 2004, when she was discovering the same things about her parents, adds a layer of authenticity and personal resonance.
Simón’s influences for Romería include films like More by Barbet Schroeder and Zabriskie Point by Michelangelo Antonioni. These films provided inspiration for the portrayal of the characters’ love story and the era’s cultural context. The motif of water, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, is a recurring theme in the film, reflecting Simón’s own journey of discovery and healing.
Romería opens in select theaters from Janus Films starting Friday, June 26, offering audiences a deeply moving and personal exploration of family, memory, and identity.
