Prayers for the Stolen

About Prayers for the Stolen

Explore

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

About

Prayers for the Stolen is a 2021 drama film that tells the story of a young girl growing up in a remote Mexican village plagued by drug violence and kidnappings. Directed by Claudia Sainte-Luce, the film explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. Set in a small, isolated community where the village women must disguise their daughters as boys to protect them from being kidnapped by drug cartels, the film centers around the character of Ladydi, a young girl who dreams of a better life away from the violence and oppression of her hometown. As she navigates the challenges of growing up in a dangerous environment, Ladydi forms a deep bond with her best friend, Paula, and together they embark on a journey of hope and self-discovery. The film combines gritty realism with poetic storytelling, capturing the harsh realities of life in a war-torn community while also celebrating the strength and resilience of its female characters. Prayers for the Stolen paints a vivid picture of a society deeply affected by violence and highlights the power of friendship and love in the face of adversity.

Making / Production

Prayers for the Stolen was adapted from the novel of the same name by Jennifer Clement. The film was directed by Claudia Sainte-Luce and produced by Nicolás Celis. It was shot on location in Mexico, with the production team working closely with local communities to bring authenticity to the story. The film's production aimed to capture the beauty and harshness of the Mexican landscape, showcasing the contrast between the serene, natural surroundings and the violence and danger that lurks beneath the surface. The filmmakers worked closely with the cast and crew to create an immersive and authentic portrayal of life in a Mexican village.

Actors

• María Mercedes Coroy as Ladydi - Coroy delivered a powerful performance as Ladydi, capturing the character's determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
• María Telón as Paula - Telón portrayed Paula with depth and sensitivity, highlighting the complexities of their friendship.
• Enrique Diaz as Professor - Diaz brought complexity to the role of Professor, acting as a mentor and source of inspiration for Ladydi.
• Norma Pablo as Mama - Pablo provided a heartfelt portrayal of Ladydi's mother, showing the sacrifices and strength of a parent in a dangerous world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Prayers for the Stolen is based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Jennifer Clement.
• The film addresses the real-life issue of gender-based violence and the kidnapping of young girls in Mexico.
• Director Claudia Sainte-Luce drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in Mexico to bring authenticity to the story.

Awards

Prayers for the Stolen has received several awards and nominations, including Best Director and Best Actress at the Ariel Awards, Mexico's most prestigious film awards. The film's powerful storytelling and performances have been recognized for their impact and emotional depth.

Quotes

• "Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray for a miracle." - Ladydi
• "In a world full of darkness, friendship is a ray of light." - Paula
• "Our dreams are what keep us going, even in the darkest times." - Ladydi

Music

The film's score was composed by Emilio Kauderer, who created a haunting and evocative soundtrack that captures the emotional depth of the story. The music enhances the film's atmosphere and adds depth to its characters and their journeys.

Soundtrack

• "Prayers for the Stolen" - performed by Fiona Apple
• "Lost in Desperation" - performed by Natalia Lafourcade
• "Finding Hope" - instrumental
• "Broken Dreams" - instrumental