Utrilla 25
Directed by Mar Taboada Espinosa
Spain · 2026 · 20 min · Alcohol; Family; Gender Equity; Inequalities; Loneliness; Mental health; Women
Submitted to RTV International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
Carmen’s return to her hometown forces her mother, Maricarmen, to confront her alcohol addiction once again. Through the complex relationship between mother and daughter, the short film explores the stigma faced by women in recovery.
About the film
Maricarmen is a 47-year-old woman who has been struggling with alcohol addiction for many years. Carmen, her daughter, returns to their hometown to spend a few days with her after months apart. To celebrate Carmen’s 17th birthday, they organise a party in the courtyard of their home. Maricarmen struggles to maintain her increasingly fragile recovery, but the presence of alcohol and a series of incidents eventually trigger a relapse. Sensing that something is wrong, Carmen, unaware of her mother’s struggle, wanders through the house until she discovers a hidden stash of bottles. It is then that, for the first time, she comes face to face with the reality her mother has been living with for years, without her knowing. Through the intimacy of the home, everyday life together, and the silences they share, the short film explores the stigma and loneliness experienced by women struggling with addiction.
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RTV International Film Festival — Inaugural Online Edition · 2026