Simón (2023 film)

As filming took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions were introduced, including frequent testing of the cast and crew, the strict use of masks and set sterilization between scenes, which added unforeseen costs to the production.[5] The shooting of the feature film coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant several logistical complications: the cast and crew were tested every three days, the use of masks was strict and the set was sterilized between scenes, representing additional and unforeseen costs for the production.[6] The film also featured a character inspired by Rufo Chacón, a 20-year old protester who lost both eyes after being shot with pellets in the face by police officers.[8] Two days before its commercial release, Venezuelan outlets reported that a complaint was filed against the film in Venezuela's Public Ministry to prevent it from being screened in theaters, accusing it of promoting violence in the country.[19] Abhishek Sharma, in Film Threat, rated the movie 8/10 and said, "Simón leaves us with a strong message that relays the hard-hitting reflection on reality."[22] Alan French, from Sunshine State Cineplex, wrote, "With a story as important as this one, Simón needed to show the true horrors of the dissident experience.[8][26][27] The film was not chosen as the country's candidate for the Academy Awards (the Oscars), obtaining 10 votes in favor, 12 against and two abstentions, which proved controversial at the time.
Director Diego Vicentini (left) and producer Jorge González (right) at Simón' s screening on 13 September 2023 in Madrid, Spain.
SimónDiego VicentiniChristian McGaffneyFlorida Film Festivalprotests in his countryCOVID-19 pandemicHeartland International Film Festival38th Goya AwardsBest Ibero-American FilmFranklin Virgüeza short filmprotests in Venezuela in 2017Los Angeles Film SchoolBolívarRedlandHomesteadFloridaStanislavski methodBarquisimetoCaracasRufo ChacónOrlandoDallas International Film FestivalMadridBuenos AiresSantiago de ChileNew YorkNetflixRotten TomatoesEl NacionalDiario las AméricasFilm ThreatAcademy AwardsAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences11th Platino AwardsBest Ibero-American Debut FilmList of Venezuelan filmsVenezuelan cinema in the 2020sRunrunesTal CualEl ImpulsoEl PitazoDiario La VerdadCinemanía20minutos.esFilmAffinity