Belén’s Dolores Fonzi and Julieta Cardinali Share Their Journey of Overcoming Fear to Highlight Women’s Rights in Deadline Screening Series

Film "Belén" Highlights Women’s Fight for Rights in Argentina

The power of united women is at the forefront of Belén, a film directed by Dolores Fonzi, who also stars in the lead role. Based on Ana Correa’s book Somos Belén (We Are Belén), the film recounts the poignant true story of a young Argentinian woman, portrayed by Camila Plaate, who is admitted to a hospital in severe pain, only to discover that she is pregnant. After a miscarriage, she is arrested on scant evidence for allegedly inducing an illegal abortion, resulting in a two-year detention followed by an eight-year sentence.

The harsh ruling ignited widespread outrage among women across Argentina. Fonzi’s character, Soledad Deza, takes up the young woman’s case, fighting for her freedom with the backing of numerous women and organizations. This grassroots movement ultimately contributed to the legalization of abortion in Argentina in 2020.

Fonzi described her motivations for the film, stating, “The moment that radicalized me… was similar to the scene with the TV show host [in the film]. To hear a female senator compare women to puppies because she’s against the law was very important.” She emphasized the significance of portraying the struggle for abortion rights and the experiences women faced during that period. “Yes, the movie was about a real case, but it was also about ourselves as women in Argentina,” she added.

Actor Julieta Cardinali, who plays Beatriz Camaño, another lawyer in Belén, expressed her gratitude for the film being selected as Argentina’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars. “[This film being received] is worth it – especially right now in this time of the world,” Cardinali noted, highlighting the importance of discussing the film’s themes today.

Fonzi described the challenges of transforming this story into a cinematic experience, calling it a tribute to the women’s movement. She expressed pride in representing Argentina at the Oscars and the enthusiastic reception the film has garnered. “It’s been moving to see people touched after watching it. To me, that means the movie’s impact will speak for itself,” she concluded.