In 17th-century Mexico, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz defies the strict social limits placed on women to become one of the most brilliant intellectuals and writers of her time, amid the shadow of the Spanish Inquisition. Inspired by Octavio Paz’s essay The Traps of Faith, María Luisa Bemberg’s film traces the final years of the celebrated poet and nun who, at just twenty, entered a convent to pursue knowledge and soon drew the ire of misogynistic and conservative forces. This stunning restoration of Bemberg’s literary masterpiece is presented by Cinema Mentiré as part of Daring to Dare: The Films of María Luisa Bemberg (1922–1995), a UK retrospective celebrating the trailblazing Argentinian filmmaker on the 30th anniversary of her passing.

Our screening on Sunday 30th November will feature an introduction by Natalia Christofoletti Barrenha, Co-founder & Programmer of Cinema Mentiré.

Cinema Mentiré is a pop-up film club founded in London in 2023 out of a need to showcase real and underrepresented Latin American voices in both contemporary and classical cinema. It aims to challenge the stereotypes and conventions associated with the region by screening independent films, many of which have never been shown in the UK. The initiative has organised screenings at various cinemas and alternative venues across London and beyond, including Curzon, ICA, Rio Cinema, The Garden Cinema and Watershed. It has also collaborated with institutions, film festivals, and independent collectives such as V&A East, QUEERCIRCLE, London Short Film Festival, Cinema Rediscovered, Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest, Budapest Classics Film Marathon, among others.