White Elephant (Elefante Blanco)

Year: 2012
Country: SPAIN, ARGENTINA, FRANCE
Run Time: 110 minutes

The slums of an abandoned Argentinean TB hospital built in the 30s sets the stage for this gritty drama from one of South America's most acclaimed directors, Pablo Trapero. Father Nicolas (played daringly by Belgian actor Jeremie Renier) and Father Julian work side-by-side in these slums to help build the hospital for the community. Facing gang wars between drug cartels and a bureaucratic church trying to politicize the martyrdom of famed comrade Father Carlos Mujica, the priests find themselves in an uphill battle as they try to navigate their mission in a war zone. While Julian battles an illness, Nicolas is shadowed by survivor's guilt and his new affection for the social worker Luciana (the mesmerizing Martina Gusman). With superb ensemble acting and inspired direction by Trapero, WHITE ELEPHANT is a powerful and poignant drama of faith and spirituality. As the powers against the brave men come to a head, it becomes more and more clear that, in this world, men of faith must also be men of strength. (In Spanish with subtitles) – T.W.

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