El Suspiro del Silencio

This film captures your attention right from the opening scene. The beautiful landscape, the sounds, the music and the cinematography keep you engaged and wanting more. The film is very well cast and some excellent performances. I can see why Laura Osma has won awards for her performance. She is able to be powerful, yet sensitive and vulnerable. There is a strong arc to her performance and we see the character grow. As a young filmmaker, Alfonso Quijada shows great maturity in being able to weave these stories together taking us through twists and turns while keeping us intrigued and wanting more. The ending will surprise you. It caught me by surprise. Very well done and worth watching. You won't be disappointed!

El Suspiro del Silencio, directed by Alfonso Quijada, offers a poetic exploration of rural life through the unique lens of Josefina Moreno, a campesina with an extraordinary sense of smell. The film masterfully blends the natural beauty of the countryside with the rich, sensory experience of coffee tasting, as Josefina's gift becomes a gateway to a world beyond her humble beginnings. Quijada's direction captures the nuanced emotions of discovery and empowerment, while the cinematography immerses viewers in the lush, aromatic landscapes. This is a visually and emotionally resonant film that celebrates the power of hidden talents and the unexpected paths they can carve.

El Suspiro del Silencio is a cinematic poem tainted with harsh reality. Set against the coffee culture, the lead actress, Josefina, inspires us to believe in ourselves; her instincts and her incredible gift take her into new opportunities in the world of tasting coffee; finding light despite the terrible situations she has gone through. The film shows two sides of a reality that is difficult to overcome, on one side the evil of a man who rips her life apart - contrasted with men who inspire and support her, and a brother struggling to avenge her. El Suspiro del Silencio leaves us breathless at the end, struggling with darkness but yet we identified horribly with it. The film manages to connect with the deepest feelings of the audience and inspired me to speak against this awful situations taking place globally.

"The Whisper of Silence" is a beautifully crafted film that captures your attention from the very first frame. The film's stunning portrayal of the El Salvadorian coffee fields sets the tone for an intimate yet intense story that unfolds with visual splendor. The lush landscapes, combined with the delicate use of sound and music, make this film an immersive experience. Alfonso Quijada, in his directorial debut, demonstrates a remarkable maturity in storytelling, weaving together narratives of trauma, aspiration, and familial bonds with unexpected twists and turns.

Laura Osma's portrayal of Josefina Moreno, an 18-year-old coffee picker with an extraordinary sense of smell, is nothing short of exceptional. It's easy to see why she has received awards for her performance. Osma's ability to balance strength, sensitivity, and vulnerability creates a powerful character arc, making Josefina's journey toward becoming a coffee taster compelling. You witness her growth and resilience as she navigates the challenges posed by her brother's reckless choices, and her personal fears. Her performance feels authentic, anchoring the film in deep emotional resonance.

The supporting cast, including Emmy Mena, Carlos Aylagas, and Juan Carlos Velis, add depth to the film's narrative. Though their screen time is limited, they make impactful contributions to the overall story, enhancing the film's rich texture. The relationships between these characters are nuanced and compelling, contributing to the overall tension and intrigue of the film.

Quijada's direction is commendable. He skillfully balances moments of quiet reflection with more intense, suspenseful scenes, culminating in a surprising ending that keeps viewers engaged until the very last moment. The film is emotionally charged and thought-provoking, exploring themes of ambition, survival, and the consequences of choices. The cinematography, particularly the way it captures the beauty of the Salvadorian countryside, combined with a well-chosen score, creates a deeply immersive atmosphere.

As a young filmmaker, Quijada proves his ability to create a film that is both visually and narratively engaging. "The Whisper of Silence" is a remarkable debut, a testament to the director's potential in the film industry. The film is a unique and rewarding watch, offering a fresh perspective on Latin American storytelling. The UK release marks a significant achievement for Salvadorian cinema, and this film's critical acclaim is well-deserved.

If you're looking for a captivating, emotional drama with stellar performances and a unique setting, "The Whisper of Silence" is a must-watch. You won't be disappointed by its intricate story, powerful acting, and stunning visuals.

Tony Sagastizado I.

"The beast has run over, under its rough hair, the tremulous little body, soft as a fleece; and has ground the flesh, and ground the bones, and has squeezed the heart like a cherry..." Gabriela Mistral

This is how the film "The whisper of Silence" directed by Alfonso Quijada begins, which not only has a plot of deep current sensitivity, but also a Salvadoran cast of excellence. Cinema as a means of transforming society takes effect when the stories manage to touch the human fiber that makes us connect with what is presented and "The whisper of Silence", is just that: from independent cinema a proposal that invites the transformation of violence against women, in particular, the sexual violations that still happen in the world.

Adding to history the magic of the smells, the landscapes, the flavors through coffee tasting, places us in a permanent imaginative tension of sensoriality, being a key element because culturally these elements mark life. And it is that "The whisper of silence" presents us with all this into the story, that mixture of structural and cultural themes that are part of Latin America. Thank you, Alfonso, for placing this issue of violence as a photograph to be changed. Thank you for challenging our memories, our senses, our intellect, and our consciousness.