Story perspectives

Carla Simón's “Romería” Chronicles Galician Teen’s Scholarship Quest

6/25/2026

Summary

Carla Simón releases

Director Carla Simón releases the film “Romería,” which follows 18-year-old Marina’s quest for scholarship paperwork.
Marina must obtain a document confirming the names of her deceased parents, who died of AIDS-related illnesses that stigmatize her family in Vigo.
She travels the Galician coast with uncle Lois and new cousins, while cinematographer Hélène Louvart captures coastline scenes.
The 1-hour-54-minute film is presented in Catalan and Spanish with subtitles, unrated.

Summary

Carla Simón Mirrors

Carla Simón says Romería mirrors her own childhood after both parents died of AIDS.
She set the film in Vigo, her Galician hometown, and uses her mother’s diaries to layer past and present.
Romería mixes light-hearted musical-mystery tones with stark drama, a contrast Simón likens to Mamma Mia! meeting Aftersun.
Simón intends the film to comment on the lingering social stigma of the 1980s AIDS crisis in Spain.

Summary

Carla Simón Opens Cannes

Carla Simón’s fourth feature, Romería, opened the competition at Cannes 2025.
Lead actress Llúcia Garcia was found on Gràcia streets in Barcelona after a spontaneous casting call.
Simón rehearsed for three months, recording the sessions with a handheld camera before filming.
Romería releases in select U.S. theaters on Friday, June 26, via Janus Films, and families described the shoot as painful yet healing.

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Carla Simón releases

Director Carla Simón releases the film “Romería,” which follows 18-year-old Marina’s quest for scholarship paperwork.
Marina must obtain a document confirming the names of her deceased parents, who died of AIDS-related illnesses that stigmatize her family in Vigo.
She travels the Galician coast with uncle Lois and new cousins, while cinematographer Hélène Louvart captures coastline scenes.
The 1-hour-54-minute film is presented in Catalan and Spanish with subtitles, unrated.

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