Camila José Donoso is a Chilean filmmaker whose films explore the complexities of gender, sexuality, and identity. Born in Santiago in 1981, she is a graduate of Universidad Católica de Chile’s School of Film and Television. Her early works, which include short films such as “Los Malditos” and “Mujer de Fuego,” earned her a number of awards, including the Best Short Film at the Biarritz International Festival of Latin American Cinema and the Best Short Film at the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
In 2010, Donoso made her feature-length debut with “La Nana,” a film that examines the relationship between a wealthy family and the live-in nanny who takes care of their child. The film earned numerous awards, including the Best Feature Film at the Valdivia International Film Festival and the Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Film Festival. In 2013, Donoso directed “La Primavera de Los Fantasmas,” a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who confronts the secrets and lies of her family and her own sexuality. The film was praised for its nuanced and sensitive portrayal of teenage life and received awards at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Torino International Film Festival.
In 2016, Donoso directed “Los Perros,” a psychological drama about a woman who is struggling with the trauma of a past relationship. The film won the Grand Prix at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and was selected as the Chilean submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Donoso’s latest feature, “Rara,” is a coming-of-age story about a young girl who is trying to find her place in a world that is hostile to her gender expression and sexual orientation. The film was well-received at the Toronto International Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Donoso’s films have been praised for their sensitive and nuanced approach to difficult topics, and she has become an important voice in Chilean and Latin American cinema. She is also a vocal advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ rights, and her work is a powerful testament to the importance of representation and inclusion in the film industry.
