Chilean filmmaker Manuela Martelli premiered her second feature film El deshielo on Thursday at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The movie received a warm ovation from the audience in the Debussy Hall.
Martelli presented the film set in 1992, which follows a ten-year-old Chilean girl and her friendship with a German skier at a ski hotel in the Andes Mountains. The story explores the young woman's disappearance and hidden family secrets.
The director highlighted the team's effort. “It is very gratifying to have the film here. And it is also very gratifying for all the people who worked on the film, who did it with blood, sweat and tears,” Martelli said.
Producer Alejandra García noted that the applause was long and beautiful. The film, produced by Ronda Cine, Wood Producciones and international partners, will have additional screenings on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16.
