Una Noche (film)

Plot

Trapped in desperate poverty in Havana, Raúl dreams of escaping to Miami. When accused of assaulting a tourist, he sees his only option as to flee. He begs his best friend, Elio, to abandon everything, including his family, and help him reach Miami, 90 miles across the ocean. Elio’s commitment is tested when he is torn between helping Raúl escape and protecting his twin sister, Lila. The three leave on a raft which Elio made of tires. Sharks are attracted by Lila's menstrual blood seeping into the water. Elio dies when trying to rescue Lila. Raúl and Lila end up adrift, clinging to a styropene board, and are pulled to the Cuban shore by British tourists with their speed boat.

Production

Mulloy spent years in Havana researching for her first feature Una Noche. Whilst in Cuba Mulloy's story developed as she searched for young untrained talent to take the lead roles. Mulloy received a production grant and mentorship from Spike Lee.

Real-life defection

While in Miami to promote the film in 2012, actors Anailín de la Rúa de la Torre (Lila) and Javier Nuñez Florián (Elio) disappeared. When they made contact, they indicated they were defecting, requesting political asylum.

Reception

Una Noche world premiered at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival in the Generation Competition and had its US premier at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. "A pulsing debut feature has an undercurrent of ribald comedy that doesn't entirely prepare the viewer for the harrowing turn it takes."

Una Noche shot to international media attention, ahead of its US premiere when two of the film's lead actors, Javier Nuñez Florián and Anailín de la Rúa de la Torre, on their way to present the film at its US premier in Tribeca Film Festival, disappeared, reportedly defecting to the US.

In a highly publicized twist Javier Nuñez Florián and his co-star Dariel Arrechada went on to win the Best Actor Award with Nuñez remaining in hiding during the ensuing media frenzy. "Una Noche cleaned up at Tribeca Film Festival in juried awards, taking home best actor, cinematography, and new director honors in the Narrative competition."

Accolades

In 2010, with Una Noche in full production, Mulloy was awarded the Creative Promise Emerging Narrative Award at Tribeca Film Festival. In January 2010 Una Noche won the Spike Lee Production Grant Award for film production. Winner 2010 Adrienne Shelly Foundation IFP Director's Grant. Winner 2011 Gotham Award Euphoria Calvin Klein Spotlight on Women Filmmakers’ ‘Live The Dream’ post production grant. Una Noche's was at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival.

In the United States, Una Noche premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and went on to win: