Sofía

Ayerdi

Filmmaker Mentorship Program
Season 2

Aguamadre

Isabel, a sixty-five-year-old woman, is advised by her doctor to exercise more, as her joint problems stem from her weight.

Her daughter Nora proposes swimming, knowing that it could reconnect Isabel with her roots in Tecpan, Mexico.

Reluctantly, Isabel agrees and begins sorting through old belongings, rediscovering a treasured photograph of herself as a little girl by the sea. Each photo brings back vivid memories of her youth, sparking a journey of self-rediscovery.

Nora, seeing the photo for the first time, tries to connect with Isabel, but Isabel, stubborn and closed-off, pushes her away, hiding the photo.

The next day, Isabel finds the cherished photo displayed in the living room, triggering a heated argument between her and Nora.

Nora confronts Isabel about never discussing her past, and Isabel retorts that it has nothing to do with her. The fight exposes deep-seated wounds and unspoken emotions between them. Isolated in her room, Isabel reflects on the confrontation and realizes she was wrong to keep her daughter in the dark.

She understands that sharing her past could bridge the gap between them. With newfound resolve, Isabel agrees to go swimming.

The pool becomes a sanctuary where Isabel confronts her fears and regrets. Through swimming, she finds not only physical rejuvenation but also an emotional release. Gradually, Isabel’s journey in the water helps her mend the rift between her and Nora.

The water, a symbol of her heritage, allows Isabel to embrace her identity and forge a new, healthier bond with her daughter. In the end, Isabel’s journey shows that it’s never too late to rediscover oneself and heal old wounds.