Dolores Fonzi, writer-director and star of the Argentinian film Belén, discussed the movie's selection as Argentina's 2026 Oscars entry during a screening in West Hollywood. The film, based on a true story, highlights the injustice faced by a young woman arrested after a miscarriage and the women's movement that led to abortion legalization in 2020. Co-star Julieta Cardinali emphasized the film's timely relevance amid global issues.
The film Belén draws from the book Somos Belén (We Are Belén) by Ana Correa, recounting the real-life ordeal of a young Argentinian woman, played by Camila Plaate, who sought hospital treatment for severe abdominal pain. Unaware of her pregnancy, she miscarried and was arrested on scant evidence for allegedly inducing an illegal abortion. This led to two years in detention and an eight-year prison sentence.
The case ignited nationwide protests by women and organizations. Lawyer Soledad Deza, portrayed by Fonzi, took up the defense, rallying support that ultimately pressured the Argentinian government to legalize abortion in 2020.
At a Deadline screening series event at The London West Hollywood on January 9, 2026, Fonzi shared what drove her to adapt the story. She highlighted a pivotal moment of radicalization inspired by a real Argentinian senator who, opposing abortion rights, compared women to breeding puppies—a line echoed in the film during a talk show scene undermining Deza's advocacy.
“[The moment that radicalized me] was similar to the scene with the TV show host [in the film], but in real life, to hear a female senator [compare women] to puppies because she’s against the law, it was very important to show how we deal with this fight [for abortion rights] throughout the time Belén was released until the law was signed. It was important that I felt very excited about the topic and that I could make this movie fearlessly,” Fonzi said. “I should have had fear, but I didn’t because it was so important for me to tell all the things that we survived during those years... Yes, the movie was about a real case, but it was also about ourselves as women in Argentina.”
Julieta Cardinali, who plays lawyer Beatriz Camaño, praised the film's Oscar selection: “[This film being received] is worth it – especially right now in this time of the world with what is happening now. Talking about this film and these topics are very important.”
Fonzi described Belén as a tribute to the women's movement and a challenge to create as a cinematic event. Since September 2025, the team has traveled extensively to promote it, noting audiences' emotional responses. “The most important thing for me is to represent Argentina to the Oscars, yes, but it’s also important to see that people have interest in watching it... To me, that means the movie’s [impact] will talk itself,” she added.
