Behind the Rain Unveils Childhood Sexual Abuse Through Striking Black-and-White Imagery
Sofía, a recent psychology graduate from Valparaíso, Chile, returns to her hometown of Valdivia. Her homecoming coincides with the unsettling discovery of a young girl’s body, triggering repressed childhood memories. This event forces Sofía to confront a painful past that affects not only her but also her entire community.
Valeria Sarmiento’s latest film, Behind the Rain, premiered at the Crystal Globe main competition during the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film artfully combines stunning black-and-white visuals with the harrowing subject of childhood sexual abuse. It is based on an original concept by Sarmiento, who collaborated on the screenplay with the late Omar Saavedra Santis. Acácio de Almeida served as the director of photography, while Galut Alarcón took on the editing responsibilities.
The cast includes Paula Prado, Cristián Arriagada, Aline Kuppenheim, Shlomit Baytelman, Chamila Rodríguez, Daniel Muñoz, Julio Milostich, Aimar Alarcón Rodríguez, and Clara Vargas Arellano. Rodríguez also produced the film.
Sarmiento and Rodríguez, who have worked together since Secrets in 2008, expressed their hopes for the film to spark societal discussions about its difficult themes. Sarmiento noted that child abuse is a prevalent issue in society, often shrouded in silence.
The film’s narrative is deeply personal for Rodríguez, who found the artistic complexity compelling. Having experienced similar trauma in her own childhood, she felt a strong connection to the story. Rodríguez revealed that she had kept her own experiences hidden until she was 40, making the film’s themes resonate even more. She views art, including film, as a means to transform painful experiences into something positive.
Sarmiento made a deliberate choice to shoot the film in black and white, with color introduced only at the end. This decision was influenced by her upbringing, as she grew up watching black-and-white films. She explained that her mother had advised her to look “behind the rain” to see the full spectrum of colors and experiences, a metaphor that guided the film’s visual style.
Casting Paula Prado in the lead role presented challenges, as many actresses were unable to travel to Valdivia for the shoot. However, Sarmiento felt an immediate connection with Prado, believing she was the perfect fit to convey the film’s themes.
The filming experience was described as harmonious, with both Sarmiento and Rodríguez praising the collaborative atmosphere on set. Rodríguez highlighted Sarmiento’s calm demeanor as a director, which fostered a sense of safety and trust among the cast and crew. The picturesque setting of Valdivia also contributed to a smooth production process.
Both Sarmiento and Rodríguez expressed their hopes that the film would encourage open discussions about childhood abuse, a topic often left unspoken. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of giving children the words to articulate their experiences, breaking the cycle of silence that surrounds such issues.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section: https://famedelivered.com/magazine/
Published on 2026-07-11 12:20:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk