Romería is the third feature film by Spanish director Carla Simón, who also penned the screenplay. Following Summer 93 and Our Blood, which won the Golden Bear at Berlinale 2022, the filmmaker continues to craft stories deeply rooted in her family history and personal memory. Premiering in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, the film is in the running for the coveted Palme d’Or. Its French theatrical release is scheduled for April 8, 2026.
Marina, a young woman who was adopted as a child, needs to gather official documents to continue her higher education. What seems like a simple administrative task turns into a deeper journey as she reconnects with a part of her biological family she has never known. Guided by her mother’s diary—kept for as long as she can remember—Marina sets off on a journey to the Atlantic coast.
During her visit, she meets several members of her paternal family, carrying a shared past buried beneath silence. Her presence acts as a catalyst, bringing to light memories of her deceased parents and the dark corners of their history. Between a quest for identity and facing long-held secrets, Marina gradually uncovers the fractures and hidden shame that permeate this lineage.
Through this journey back to its roots, the film examines how family memories are passed down, altered, or left unspoken, and how a new generation can reshape their meaning.
The official trailer will be released as soon as it's available from the distributor.
Romería cements Carla Simón’s status as a leading figure in contemporary European auteur cinema. Staying true to her naturalistic style, the director works with a cast that blends fresh faces with seasoned actors, including Llúcia Garcia, Tristán Ulloa, Janet Novás, and José Ángel Egido.
Featured at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, this film is part of the official selection focusing on intimate stories and women’s journeys. It follows Our Suns, which earned Carla Simón international praise, continuing her exploration of themes like kinship, grief, and rebuilding life.
With its steady pace and keen focus on everyday gestures, the film appeals to viewers who are drawn to family dramas and introspective stories. It can be likened to contemporary Spanish intimate cinema, where personal stories reflect broader social and cultural shifts.
Romería
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: April 8, 2026
Drama | Runtime: 1h55
Directed by Carla Simón | Starring Llúcia Garcia, Tristán Ulloa, Janet Novás, José Ángel Egido
Original title: Romería
Country: Spain
With Romería, Carla Simón presents a new chapter in her autobiographical work, exploring themes of inheritance, family silence, and self-identity through a compelling journey back to her roots—an introspective voyage both essential and unsettling.
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