LAT17 The Load

Set in the latter half of 16th century Mexico, The Load centres on a young Spanish noblewoman, Elisa (María Valverde), the only Spaniard who is willing to stand as a witness in defence of a rebellious Indigenous town, acting against even her own father. Eventually, she chooses to flee through new world forests in a search for freedom with the Tameme Indian chief, Painalli (Horacio García-Rojas).

This is the propulsive story of two unlikely heroes who forge an intimate bond as they are pursued through inhospitable jungles by a relentless band of soldiers. The title refers to the Tameme Indian task of hauling huge amounts of fish across vast distances; however, this time, Painalli is carrying Elisa, a powerful image of his symbolic load.