Sisters

Kızkardeşler / Hermanas

DCP / Color / 102’
Spanish; with Turkish and English Subtitles
Spain, 2026

Director: Ione Hernández Sáenz
Screenplay: Ione Hernández Sáenz
Cinematography: Diego Dussuel
Editing: Carlos Cañas, Cristina Laguna
Cast: Elena Anaya, Emma Suárez, Carlota Keiko, León Martínez, Josean Bengoetxea, Aritz Kortabarria, Nora Otxoteko
Producer: Lara Izagirre, Garazi Elorza, María Zamora, José Esteban Alenda, César Esteban Alenda
Production: Solita Films, Gariza Films, Elastica Films, ISB Films
World Sales: Elastica Film

Synopsis

The first narrative feature by experienced journalist and documentarian Ione Hernández Sáenz, Sisters, brings together two internationally renowned actresses of Spanish cinema: Elena Anaya and Emma Suárez, who have both worked with numerous master directors, most notably Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows two adult sisters, Chelo (Elena Anaya) and Marta (Emma Suárez), who bring their respective families together for a celebration of the traditional San Juan Festival. However, the idyllic atmosphere abruptly collapses when Chelo’s younger daughter comes forward with a serious accusation of sexual assault against Marta’s teenage son. Rather than turning into a clinical true-crime procedural or courtroom drama, the narrative shifts inward to focus entirely on the domestic emotional fallout. As the hours unfold, deep-seated family secrets and unresolved wounds from the past begin to resurface. The accusation forces Chelo and Marta into a tense, agonizing psychological conflict. Both mothers are fiercely protective, yet they find themselves on opposing sides of an invisible line—torn between unconditional maternal love, loyalty to each other as sisters, and the devastating pursuit of truth.

The story tracks their internal struggle to navigate trauma and boundaries within a tight-knit family circle, ultimately exploring how difficult it is to love when you no longer know what the right choice is. Choosing to focus less on the details of the assault and more on how each family member deals with the unexpected tragedy, the film explores the universal themes of love, guilt and trauma. Director Hernández takes a nuanced approach to justice in her film, focusing on the complexity of human nature rather than dividing characters into good or bad.

Screenings