About Elisa & Marcela (2019)

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Elisa & Marcela is a 2019 film in the International Movies genre. It is based on the true story of Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, who in 1901 became the first same-sex couple to be married in Spain.

The film follows the journey of Elisa and Marcela, two women who fall in love in their small village in Galicia. Faced with adversity and societal expectations, they decide to conceal their identities and present themselves as a heterosexual couple. They successfully marry in a Catholic church in A Coruña, with Elisa posing as Mario Sánchez Loriga.

The story explores the struggles and sacrifices the couple makes to be together and the lengths they go to maintain their secret. It is a compelling tale of love, perseverance, and defying societal norms.

Making / Production

The film Elisa & Marcela was directed by Isabel Coixet and written by Coixet and Narciso de Gabriel. It was produced by Rodar y Rodar Cine y Televisión and Zentropa Spain.

The film was shot in various locations in Spain, including Galicia, A Coruña, and Barcelona. Coixet aimed to recreate the early 20th-century atmosphere and pay homage to the brave story of Elisa and Marcela.

The production team meticulously researched the historical period to ensure authenticity in the costumes, set design, and cinematography. The film beautifully captures the aesthetics of the time, transporting viewers back to the early 1900s.

Actors

• Natalia de Molina as Elisa Sánchez Loriga
• Greta Fernández as Marcela Gracia Ibeas

Natalia de Molina brilliantly portrays Elisa Sánchez Loriga, the daring woman who assumes a male identity to marry the love of her life. Greta Fernández delivers a compelling performance as Marcela Gracia Ibeas, showcasing her character's strength and resilience.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Elisa & Marcela is based on the true story of the first same-sex marriage in Spain.
• The real Elisa and Marcela faced legal repercussions and were eventually exposed, leading to their separation and individual struggles.
• The film received critical acclaim for its touching portrayal of love and for shedding light on an important LGBTQ+ historical event.

Awards

Elisa & Marcela won the Teddy Award for Best LGBTQ+ Film at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival.

Quotes

• "Love cannot be limited by the imposition of norms or prejudices." - Marcela Gracia Ibeas
• "True love is worth fighting for, no matter the sacrifices we must make." - Elisa Sánchez Loriga

Music

The film features an evocative musical score composed by Sofia Gubaidulina. The music enhances the emotional depth of the story and complements the visual storytelling.

Soundtrack

• "Elisa and Marcela's Theme" - Sofia Gubaidulina
• "Love in Secret" - Sofia Gubaidulina
• "Forbidden Love" - Sofia Gubaidulina