• Film Title (Original): La Yuma
  • Film Title (Spanish): La Yuma
  • Film Title (In English): La Yuma
  • Country Of Origin: Nicaragua, Mexico, France, Spain
  • Year Of Completion: 2009
  • Running Time: 90 Min.
  • Format/Color/Bw: 35mm, Color
  • Language : Spanish

FILM CREDITS:

  • Director: Florence Jaugey
  • Producer(s): Florence Jaugey, Frank Pineda
  • Screenwriter: Florence Jaugey, Juan Sobalvarro, Edgar Soberón Torchia
  • Cinematographer: Frank Pineda
  • Editor: Mario Sandoval
  • Music: Rodrigo Barbera
  • Cast: Alma Blanco, Gabriel Benavides, Rigoberto Mayorga, María Esther López

FILM SYNOPSIS:

The first feature-length fiction film made in Nicaragua in more than twenty years tells the story of Yuma, a strong-willed and rebellious girl from the gang-infested barrios of Managua who dreams of becoming a boxer. In her home, lovelessness prevails. On the streets, rival gangs battle for control. 

Blessed with energy and agile feet and hands, Yuma dreams of the boxing ring and believes it is her only option to escape the adverse conditions of her daily life.  One day she meets Ernesto, a journalism student from the other side of the city.  Despite their many differences, they fall in love, attracted by their shared desire to attain their dreams and find their own space in the world. But Yuma’s jealous ex-boyfriend and her overprotective brother soon threaten their relationship. Will Yuma’s physical and emotional strength help her stick to the right path and prevail?

Yuma's story is a slice of life deeply rooted in the Nicaragua of today and contrasts with the image of the country previously channeled abroad. Young non professional actress Alma Blanco delivers a powerful performance. Winner for Best First Film and Best Actress at the Guadalajara Film Festival.

DIRECTOR’S BIOGRAPHY:

Florence Jaguey In 1990, Florence Jaguey moved to Nicaragua and together with Nicaraguan filmmaker Frank Pineda, she set up a production company called Camila films, which enabled her to direct and produce several short and documentary films.  Her short film Cinema Alcazar, won a Silver Bear in Berlin, 1998.