In the summer of 1993, following the death of her parents to AIDS, six-year-old Frida is forced from bustling Barcelona to the Catalan provinces to live with her aunt and uncle, her new legal guardians.

Country life is a challenge: aside from the emotional upheaval, the nature that surrounds her is mysterious, if not dangerous. At night, Frida prays for her mother, whom she misses terribly, while during the day, she attempts to find her place in this new life. She also has a new little sister to look after, who inspires new feelings such as jealousy. But it is the source of her parents’ passing that casts a shadow over how the local community treats her… Indeed, Frida’s life will never be the same.

Punctuated by moments of youthful exuberance and mature ruminations, this coming-of-age drama is an extraordinarily moving snapshot of being a child in an adult world, anchored by flawless performances by its two young stars. Carla Simón’s autobiographical jewel proves that even the most familiar stories can seem brand new when told with such empathy, authenticity, and beauty.

“Sensitive, understated… A delicate sleeper of a film.” – Jay Weissberg, Variety

“Childhood memoirs always are under threat from self-indulgence and sentimentality, but Summer 1993 successfully sidesteps both, establishing Simón as a talent to watch... A delicately crafted, moving filmic memoir. True and captivating.” – Jonathan Holland, The Hollywood Reporter

“Authentic and memorable...with maturity, empathy and heartfelt emotion.” – Sarah Ward, Screen International

“Simón's touching, tender autobiography falls in between the greats like The 400 Blows and Ponette, yet is completely unique and deeply personal.” – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction

“Simón deserves all the plaudits for directing her young lead actress in a brilliantly naturalistic performance, which feels genuinely perceptive.” – Alistair Ryder, Film Inquiry

“It is not just a promising debut, but one of the most impressive Spanish films of the year.” – Jordi Costa, El Pais

“Writer-director Carla Simón is a gifted storyteller who is able to convey a lot even in such prosaic scenes as washing a dress, climbing trees, and indulging in a popsicle treat (with one in each hand). Recommended. ” – Tom Keogh, Video Librarian

Coming soon.

A MARC record for this title is not available yet.

Academy Awards® - Spain's submission for Best Foreign Language Film; Goya Award - Best First Time Director, Best Supporting Actor, Breakthrough Performance; Berlin Film Festival - Best First Feature, Grand Prix Generation Kplus Int'l Jury; Málaga Film Festival - Dunia Ayaso Award, Golden Biznaga for Best Spanish Film; BAFICI Buenos Aires Int'l Festival of Independent Cinema - Best Director; Odessa International Film Festival - Golden Duke; Istanbul International Film Festival - Special Prize of the Jury; Gaudi Awards - Best Director, Best, Screenplay, Best Catalan Film, Best Editing