SYNOPSIS

Laia is 30 years old and lives on the street. Marc is 25 and lives in Scotland. Their father’s death a few years ago caused the family’s economy to falter, and even more so when, shortly after, both their mother lost her job.

The life of Laia and Marc, her little brother, changed drastically since it became necessary to bring money home: Laia left her studies and started working at whatever she could; Marc continued studying for a while but had to give up the scholarship he was given to continue. Their mother, for her part, unable to bear the situation, decided to put an end to her suffering. And once again, everything faltered…

AUTHOR’S WORDS

Els germans siguin units
perquè aquLet brothers be united
for that is the first law.
Let them have true union
in whatever time it may be,
because if they fight among themselves
those from outside will devour them.

These verses from Martín Fierro (Argentina’s national epic), one could say that they are, in the case of Abans, the final point of our work.

Abans (Before) is perhaps my most personal work: my greatest fears, hidden emotions, and the most “open-hearted” exposure of some experiences, mixed with desires and illusions, and smiles that I have in intimacy.

Abans (Before) is understanding that despite the distance, the most unfavorable circumstances, and the love-hate that we often develop toward our brothers (family or chosen), it is this bittersweet affection that constantly allows us to push forward; that always allows us to return to a starting point that is far behind us; this affection and this nostalgic memory of what “Abans” was, that fills our eyes with tears alongside a smile.

Writing and directing Abans, I have undoubtedly been able to reach this learning, which will be of little use to me, because as long as I keep pushing forward, I will always look back.

Daniel J. Meyer