Costa Rica celebrates a historic milestone in its cinematography: the film Memories of a Body That Burns, written and directed by Antonella Sudasassi Furniss, received the Platino Award for Cinema and Education in Values during the XII edition of the Platino Awards for Ibero-American Cinema, held on April 27, 2025, in Madrid, Spain.
This recognition not only highlights the artistic value of the work but also its social and cultural impact by addressing topics of profound contemporary relevance.
What Are the Platino Awards?
The Platino Awards for Ibero-American Cinema are among the most important accolades for Spanish- and Portuguese-language cinema, celebrating the artistic, technical, and social excellence of productions from the region.
Within their categories, the Award for Cinema and Education in Values honors works that promote reflections on essential human topics such as dignity, solidarity, equality, and social transformation—values that Memories of a Body That Burns represents in an extraordinary way.
Memories of a Body That Burns: A Transformative Work
The film narrates, through real testimonies and an intimate aesthetic, the stories of Costa Rican women who, in their maturity, reflect on their sexuality, desires, and bodily autonomy.
Far from traditional representations, Memories of a Body That Burns invites viewers to rethink aging as a stage of liberation and discovery, where many women experience what they themselves describe as “the best time of their lives.”
Antonella Sudasassi masterfully intertwines fiction with real life, offering a sincere, empathetic, and challenging perspective that breaks deeply rooted taboos.
A Historic Achievement for Costa Rican Cinema
In addition to winning the prestigious award, the film was nominated in other outstanding categories such as Best Screenplay, Best Actress (Sol Carballo), and Best Supporting Actress (Liliana Biamonte).
It is the first time in history that a Costa Rican production achieves so many nominations at the Platino Awards, establishing Memories of a Body That Burns as one of the most influential works of the year in Ibero-America.
This success adds to its participation in more than 60 international festivals, its Audience Award at the Berlinale 2024, and its selection to represent Costa Rica at the Oscars and the Goya Awards.
The Cultural and Social Impact of the Film
Beyond its international recognition, Memories of a Body That Burns opens an urgent dialogue about the right to live one’s sexuality at all stages of life, especially in a society that often renders older women invisible.
The film acts both as a mirror and as a challenge: it invites viewers to question social norms, reconsider perceptions of aging, and value fullness and autonomy in traditionally marginalized ages.
By giving voice to these women, Antonella Sudasassi not only contributes to the evolution of Costa Rican cinema but also delivers an educational, courageous, and necessary work.
Availability and Support for National Cinema
Currently, Memories of a Body That Burns is available online for Costa Rican audiences through the official website of the production company Substance Films.
In exchange for a symbolic contribution, viewers not only enjoy an exceptional work but also support the production of future independent national film projects, contributing to the strengthening of a diverse and committed film industry.
Words from Antonella Sudasassi and the Team
Upon receiving the award in Madrid, Antonella Sudasassi expressed her gratitude and emotion for the recognition, dedicating it to all the women who shared their stories with bravery.
The director emphasized the importance of creating narrative spaces where traditionally invisible voices can take center stage.
This award, she stated, is a tribute to the women who continue to burn, dream, and claim their right to desire and to live fully.
The victory of Memories of a Body That Burns at the 2025 Platino Awards marks a turning point for Costa Rican cinema.
It is a recognition not only of the talent and artistic sensitivity of Antonella Sudasassi and her team but also of the power of cinema to transform perceptions, break stigmas, and build more inclusive societies.
This film invites each viewer to look again, to listen without prejudice, and to celebrate life in all its stages.
