Family Affairs[1] (Spanish: Verano en diciembre, lit. 'Summer in December') is a 2024 Spanish comedy-drama film written and directed by Carolina África in her debut picture based on her own stage play. It stars Lola Cordón, Carmen Machi, Bárbara Lennie, Beatriz Grimaldos, and Victoria Luengo.
Plot
Conflict is triggered upon the yearly commemoration of a decease, with the ensuing meeting of Teresa, her daughters, and her mother-in-law, who is under Teresa's care.
A Mare Films and Vértigo Films production, the film had the backing from RTVE, Movistar Plus+, and ICAA.[4][5] Filming began on 30 October 2023, with Kiko de la Rica taking over cinematography duties, using an Alexa Mini and Zeiss Ultra Prime lenses.[3] It had a budget of €2.3 million.[5] While shooting, a tranche of €1.1 million in terms of production support for the film was approved by the ICAA.[6]
Release
The film had its world premiere in a RTVE gala at Teatro Calderón on 19 October 2024, as a part of the slate of the 69th Valladolid International Film Festival (Seminci),[7][8] in a non-competitive official selection slot.[9] Distributed by Vértigo Films, the film was scheduled to be released theatrically in Spain on 15 November 2024.[5][10] Its release was eventually set to 8 November 2024.[11]
Reception
Juan Pando [es] of Fotogramas rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting Cordón, a true scene-stealer, as the best thing about the film, while lamenting the jarring use of scatological humour.[11]
