‘Mistura’ Spotlights The Deliciousness of Diversity in Cuisine

Mistura was the dramatic cinematic offering from Peru which opened the lavish Spanish Film festival to an elated audience.

As a film festival curator, it must be a difficult task to decide which film should open a film festival, as it sets the tone of what’s to come and sets the media attention. Also to be considered, is that festival attendees have different tastes in films – should the film be a drama, a comedy, a fast-paced action thriller or a slow-burning art film?

Mistura was decisively the perfect film selected, a delicious drama suitable for all audiences that should prove a crowd pleaser at encore screenings throughout the festival.

The film is set in 1960s Lima and delves on a highly privileged woman whose life comes to a standstill when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With a mortgage to pay and dwindling funds, she ponders her future. She decides to embark on a culinary journey, by opening a French restaurant in her home in honour of her late father.

She’s highly confident in her venture, but will she find success or spiral into further debt? Will the return of her husband cause further unrest in her personal life and newfound career?

Directed by Ricardo de Montreuil and starring Uruguayan-born Mexican actress Bárbara Mori in the pivotal role of Norma, this is a film that audiences should warm to quickly, on account of the likeable ensemble cast and satisfying story which concerns betrayal and new beginnings.

Production standards are excellent on all levels comparable to cinematic offerings from France and the US. This is a significant factor as it compounds to the interest and enjoyment of the feature film.

Cuisine is a character, or more aptly the heart of the film. Initially, classic French dishes and fine dining will have audiences craving these scrumptious delights. In later scenes Peruvian street food and traditional cooking take centre stage, highlighting Peru’s food diversity.

But food is used in this film to tell a bigger and much more important story. Norma lived an extravagant life before her husband left her, but when her life fell apart cooking and friendship brought happiness and proved more fulfilling.

Themes which resonate include identity, tradition, acceptance and resilience.

Naturally there are subtitles as the film’s dialogue is mainly spoken in Spanish with segments in French, but the story is straightforward and audiences should be so engaged that they’ll quickly forget they’re reading sub-titles.

Mistura is more than just a film – it’s a mouth-watering cinematic feast that brings the cuisine and people of Peru to the world.

***1/2

Until July 12. Screening at select sessions all Palace cinemas.

Bookings: spanishfilmfestival.com