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The Island of Lies
Australian Premiere
Reel Español
EL SANTA ISABEL

A thrilling mystery, The Island of Lies follows three women who are lauded for saving dozens of lives during a tragic accident that killed over 200 Spanish immigrants sailing towards a new life in America in the 1920s.

When the steamboat Santa Isabel approached the island of Sálvora off the coast of Galicia in 1921, it carried the hopes and dreams of 260 immigrants. That future is crushed when the boat sinks, and only 50 passengers survive thanks to three women who are hailed as heroines – at first.

As rumours begin to swirl, the hidden truth comes to form the basis for this riveting thriller built around an Argentinian journalist who arrives on the island and begins to investigate what really happened.

In this acclaimed feature debut by director and cowriter Paula Cons, the story of these three women and their fall from grace reveals how the line between guilt and innocence can dangerously blur. Brimming with twists and turns, The Island of Lies is an unforgettable journey into history and legend.

Shot in dramatic but bleakly beautiful setting
Cineuropa
Director
Paula Cons
Cast
Nerea Barros, Darío Grandinetti, Aitor Luna
2020 | 94 min | Spain | Historical Drama, Thriller
Spanish with English subs

Festivals & Awards

NOMINATED
Best Film, Shanghai International Film Festival 2020
NOMINATED
Best First Film, Almería International Short Film Festival 2020
NOMINATED
Best International Film, Golden Rooster Awards 2020
NOMINATED
Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, Mestre Mateo Awards 2021