MTV Documentary Films is thrilled to announce the return of its Oscar-nominated documentary, The Eternal Memory, to theaters. Directed and produced by Maite Alberdi, this extraordinary film captivates audiences with its poignant portrayal of love, memory, and resilience. Drawing comparisons to narrative features like Amour and Doctor Zhivago, The Eternal Memory promises to touch the hearts of viewers once again.
Starting today, The Eternal Memory will be playing exclusively at select theaters in New York and Los Angeles throughout the month of February. In New York, the film will be featured at the prestigious IFC Center, while audiences in the Los Angeles area can catch it at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica and the Laemmle Glendale.
To make this return even more special, MTV Documentary Films has organized a unique Valentine’s Day Drive-In event in the San Francisco Bay Area at the West Wind Drive-In theater. This event offers couples a romantic opportunity to celebrate the enduring love story of Paulina and Augusto, beautifully captured by Alberdi in the film.
The Eternal Memory revolves around Augusto and Paulina, a couple who have been together and in love for over two decades. However, their lives took an unexpected turn when Augusto was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago. Despite this tremendous challenge, the couple faces it head-on, relying on their tender affection and unwavering sense of humor, which still remains intact.
Augusto, a prominent cultural commentator and television presenter in Chile, is no stranger to building an archive of memory. However, now he must redirect his efforts towards preserving his own identity with the support of his beloved Paulina. She, too, is a renowned actress and the former Chilean Minister of Culture, known for her endlessly inventive ways of engaging with her husband.
Beneath the surface of this heartwarming love story lies a deeper exploration of collective and historical memory. Augusto Góngora, as the film reveals, played a crucial role in Chile’s history by documenting the opposition to the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, who ruled the nation from 1973 to 1990. After Pinochet’s fall, Góngora dedicated himself to restoring Chile’s cultural vitality, reconnecting it with its pre-Pinochet traditions and values.
Tragically, Augusto Góngora passed away in May 2023 at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through The Eternal Memory, which serves as a testament to his invaluable contributions to Chilean society.
Maite Alberdi’s exceptional directing and storytelling have gained recognition and high praise. The Eternal Memory premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, where it won the top prize for international documentary. Since then, the film has received widespread acclaim, including the distinction of Best Non-Fiction Film from the New York Film Critics Online.
In addition to its success with critics and audiences, The Eternal Memory has earned Alberdi her second Oscar nomination. Her previous nomination was for The Mole Agent in 2021. Alberdi’s direction has also been celebrated at the Cinema Eye Honors, where she won Best Director alongside fellow Oscar nominee Kaouther Ben Hania, director of Four Daughters.
Maite Alberdi will be participating in the upcoming Women’s Panel at the prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 17. This panel is a testament to Alberdi’s talent and the growing recognition of women’s important contributions to the film industry.
Behind this remarkable documentary is a group of dedicated individuals. The Eternal Memory is produced by Juan De Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, and Rocío Jadue, with Marcela Santibáñez, Daniela Sandoval, Nicholas Hooper H., Julie Goldman, Christopher Clements, Chandra Jessee, Rebecca Lichtenfeld, Sergio Karmy, Nina L. Diaz, Liza Burnett Fefferman, and Sheila Nevins serving as executive producers. It is inspiring to witness the collaborative effort that has brought this extraordinary film to audiences around the world.
As The Eternal Memory returns to theaters, it invites viewers to experience the profound power of love, memory, and resilience. This remarkable documentary is an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact on all who have the privilege to watch it. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this unforgettable cinematic experience.