Tribute to María Esther Palant and Silvia Kantor at the PUCP Lima Film Festival.

In the vast landscape of cinema, stories that reflect not only art but also the heartfelt family relationships that nurture it are rarely found. The case of María Esther Palant and her daughter Silvia Kantor is one of those rare examples that stands out in the Peruvian film scene, a tribute to the creativity and generational connection that unites them on the same artistic path. Both Argentine by birth but Peruvian at heart, they have left a profound mark on the country’s audiovisual culture, and their legacy is celebrated at the current Lima PUCP Film Festival. María Esther Palant, born in 1932, arrived in Peru seeking new opportunities and soon became a fundamental figure in the realm of cinema. Her training in sculpture and painting not only enriched her artistic perspective but also drove her to create works that engaged with art in its multiple facets. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to making documentaries about Peruvian visual artists, an effort that serves not only to immortalize their contributions but also highlights the importance of art in the cultural identity of the country. The founding of Grupo Chaski in 1982 was one of the most significant milestones in Palant’s career. Along with a group of committed filmmakers, she managed to bring to the screen stories that reflected Peruvian realities, often overlooked by the conventional film industry. Her work on "Gregorio" is a clear example of her ability to tell stories that resonate with the everyday lives and struggles of her people. Silvia Kantor, born in 1953, inherited this passion for cinema and culture. From a young age, she became involved in film projects that led her to stand out in the Peruvian industry. Her relationship with Grupo Chaski, where she served as executive producer on "Juliana," solidified her as an essential figure in the new wave of Peruvian cinema. Like her mother, Silvia has explored various forms of artistic expression, leading her to create the short film "Para vivir mañana," which pays tribute to the poet Carlos Germán Belli. The Filmoteca Space at the Lima PUCP Film Festival presents "Una misma pasión," a cycle of restored short films by Palant and Kantor that celebrates their legacy and the unique connection between mother and daughter. This tribute not only highlights their individual contributions but also emphasizes the exciting transfer of the creative torch from one generation to another, an aspect that is particularly relevant in a context where female voices in cinema have historically been marginalized. Among María Esther Palant’s works, "Cota y los niños," a tribute to the painter Carlota Carvallo, and "Ricardo Palma," an intimate portrait of the renowned Peruvian author, will be screened. Both works reflect her interest in Peru’s cultural and artistic heritage while showcasing her ability to tell stories that resonate with the audience. On her part, Silvia Kantor will present three short films: "Reflejos en el vidrio," which portrays the life of a worker in a blown glass factory; "Sintonía," which narrates the story of a man seeking to write about a painter; and "Némesis," a short that addresses the persecution of a woman during the time of the Inquisition in Lima. Each of these works not only reflects her unique style but also offers a critical look at Peruvian history and society. The presence of both filmmakers at the festival resonates at a time when cinema faces significant challenges, such as the predominance of commercial productions that often relegate the depth of content in favor of repetitive formulas. Desplechin, a renowned filmmaker, expressed his frustration with the current trend in commercial cinema, suggesting that many films seem aimed at a child audience, highlighting the importance of works like those of Palant and Kantor. This tribute at the Lima PUCP Film Festival is not only a celebration of the work of two talented filmmakers but also a reminder of the need to diversify voices in the film industry. The story of María Esther Palant and Silvia Kantor is a testament to the idea that cinema is not just about telling stories, but about building bridges between generations, cultures, and experiences—a legacy that will continue to inspire future filmmakers in Peru and beyond.