About ROMA

Explore

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

About

ROMA is a 2018 Mexican drama film written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. It is a semi-autobiographical film that focuses on the life of Cleo, a young domestic worker for a middle-class family in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City. The film is set in the early 1970s against the backdrop of political turmoil in Mexico.

The story follows Cleo as she navigates her personal life while taking care of the family she works for. It explores themes of love, loss, social hierarchy, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Making / Production

Alfonso Cuarón not only directed and wrote the film but also served as the cinematographer and co-editor. He drew inspiration from his own childhood and memories of the two women who worked in his family's house.

ROMA was shot in black and white to give it a nostalgic and timeless feel. Cuarón used long takes and static camera shots to create a sense of intimacy and observational style, drawing the audience into Cleo's world.

The film was primarily filmed in Mexico City, with many scenes taking place in the actual neighborhood where Cuarón grew up. The production team meticulously recreated the era with detailed production design and period-specific costumes.

Actors

• Yalitza Aparicio as Cleodegaria "Cleo" Gutiérrez – Aparicio delivered a powerful and nuanced performance as Cleo, capturing the character's strength and vulnerability.
• Marina de Tavira as Sofía – De Tavira portrayed Sofía, the mother of the family, with emotional depth and complexity.
• Diego Cortina Autrey as Toño – Autrey played Sofía's son Toño, providing a convincing portrayal of a troubled young boy.
• Carlos Peralta as Paco – Peralta portrayed Paco, Sofía's husband, displaying the complexities of his character with subtlety.
• Marco Graf as Pepe – Graf played Pepe, Sofía's eldest son, delivering a natural and believable performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title, ROMA, refers to the Colonia Roma neighborhood in Mexico City where Cuarón grew up.
• Yalitza Aparicio, who plays Cleo in the film, had no prior acting experience before being cast.
• The film was shot in chronological order, allowing the actors to experience the story's progression naturally.
• ROMA received critical acclaim and was nominated for numerous awards, including 10 Academy Awards.

Awards

ROMA received widespread acclaim and won several awards, including:

• Academy Awards:
  • Best Director - Alfonso Cuarón
  • Best Cinematography - Alfonso Cuarón
  • Best Foreign Language Film
• Golden Globe Awards:
  • Best Director - Alfonso Cuarón
  • Best Foreign Language Film
• BAFTA Awards:
  • Best Film
  • Best Director - Alfonso Cuarón

Quotes

• "We are alone. No matter what they tell you, we women are always alone." - Cleo
• "No matter what they tell you, we women are always alone." - Cleo

Music

The music in ROMA was composed by Leonardo Heiblum and utilized elements of traditional Mexican music. The score complemented the emotional tone of the film and added depth to the storytelling.

Soundtrack

• "Te He Prometido" by Leo Dan
• "La Nave del Olvido" by José José
• "Gracias a la Vida" by Violeta Parra