Alanis

A few days in the life of a Buenos Aires mother, struggling to balance her work as a local prostitute, with making ends meet. It's well acted, shot, and for me, a realistic 'slice of life' modern day drama.

In Buenos Aries, Alanis is a prostitute (Sofia Gala Castiglione) kicked out of her apartment for soliciting and moves into her nearby aunt's (Dana Basso) with her 1 year-old son. She continues to struggle to get by and is drawn back into prostitution.

Anahi Berneri's film observes the events as a voyeur that makes no judgements and displays the survival of someone who lives under the radar on the margins of society. Yet, all the way through she still tries to cling on to having agency of her own decisions, despite what others think or what society tells her.

Sunlight and fresh air streaming through a little window, clinging to the back of a motorcycle as it threads the city streets and the laughter of her baby boy; little things that bring Alanis such joy. She sorely needs it. Inconsistent and unbalanced prostitution laws and predatory law enforcers punish the very people they should help. The camera follows Alanis and her son Dante as they are forced to the street, seek shelter with a kind yet preachy relative, try to find a little space for themselves in territory jealously guarded by others in the same line of work, and suffer other indignities. Alanis is a determined survivor though, she treasures the light when it comes and if anyone can get through such times, it is her.

The film provides a valuable and intriguing glimpse into the underworld of Buenos Aires where immigrants are lured with false promises, bad laws and law enforcers rule, and vulnerable people such as Alanis have few and dismal choices available. Dante is the real-life son of the film's main actor. This relationship brings authenticity and magic to each scene between mother and son. While there could be more depth to the dialogue and certain scenes should be expanded upon, Alanis is a wonderful, genuine and insightful film. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie it's good but where is the ending? Since like there have a part 2 or what?

I usually never watch spanish languated fils, so this was an exception for me, its the language barriere that makes me choose different, and by choosing this film, i do see that i am missing some good piece of moviemaking.

its a film about a single mum and her fatherless baby boy, making a living from selling herself in the rough and dark backalleys of buenos aires.

its a film filled with realism and struggle to survive in a country that have less welfare goodies than norway.its an interesting thing to observe that to be a prostitute in argentina or norway or on cuba ,its all the same, there are nigerians whereever you go. its a rough life anyhow, and the character of this movie is not unique. poor baby growing up like this, even have to share the boobie with grown up men and thelike. its hard to see and accept.

sofia gala who plays the role of alanis, does a piece of acting you seldomly see in , for instance, american fliks over such issues. the interaction between mum and child are teardrippingly astonishing, and very well acted, its worth the ticket alone to see such appearences. the worst though were the ''rapelike'' session near the end of the film, ravaging and brutal, but needs to be done to survive till next day.

the grumpy old man do recommend this film, if you need an alternative to the mainstream '' this is the real world'' hollywood productions.