SYNOPSIS
Luisa is a trans weaver from Chinchero who is dedicated to creating traditional Andean textiles, while taking care of her nephew, Elías. When Luisa decides to show herself as she is, Elías rejects her and leaves the house. This leads to a series of events that will lead Luisa to try to get her nephew back or choose himself in the attempt.
DIRECTORS STATMENT
When I learned about a transgender muleteer in a rural Peruvian community, my heart stopped. I never imagined such a story existed. Adolfo, a trans man, took on the role of father to his orphaned nephew but faced brutal rejection from his community, leading to alcoholism. His reasons remain unclear, but they are easy to infer.
This story deeply moved me. Seeing someone suffer just for being themselves resonated with me, as I, too, have felt rejection. I knew I had to share it—someone out there might be going through the same, feeling lost and alone.
That’s how SOLA was born—the story of Luisa, a trans woman who, after being rejected by her nephew and community, finds a voice through weaving. I included weaving because Adolfo lived among weavers, and I admire Nilda Callañaupa, who revived Andean textile art in Chinchero. Setting the story there honors her work and that of many women preserving this tradition.
LGBTQ+ representation in Peruvian cinema is scarce and often stereotyped. I committed to making SOLA with respect and authenticity, working with LGBTQ+ people and avoiding clichés.
I hope this film helps queer individuals see in Luisa the strength to love and accept themselves. More importantly, I want it to reach LGBTQ+ people in rural communities, reminding them they are not alone, that their stories matter, and that we see and hear them.
Séneca Dávalos
OFFICIAL CREW MEMBERS
Director: Séneca
Executive Producers: Michael Net - Séneca
General Producer: Ana Giles
Screenwriters: Matias Paz - Séneca
Elías: Abraham Quispe Medina
Luisa: Elly - Elibethrose
Production Assistant: Ibeth Carlos
Production Coordinator: Michael Net
Assistant Director: Juan Ignacio Reinaga
Script Supervisor: Alondra Villasante
Art Director / Costume Designer: Ingrid Alta
Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist: Mariam Vargas
Construction Team: Cristian Oros - Darwin Layme - Michael Net
Director of Photography: Heiner Vucetich
Gaffer: Michael Net
Lighting Assistant: Erick Valderrama - William Bustos
Sound Recordist: Angel Romero
Logistics: Cristian Oros
Still Photographer: Erick Valderrama
Graphic Design: Jeancarlo Felix - Michael Net
Quechua Consultant / Instructor: Roxama Marocho
LGBTQ+ Consultant: Nadia Gutierrez
Editor: Michael Net
Assitant Editor: Alonso Bello
Colorist: Cesar Pérez
Audio Post-Production / Composer: Nelson Marquez
