Directed by leading actress Flora Martínez and written by Marcos Carnevale and José Reinoso, Itzia is a deaf woman starts to hear a peculiar music that always coming from the south. In the village where she lives, people believe she is going crazy and try to convince her to see a doctor. But Itzia is certain that these melodies are not a product of her imagination. Also starring: Gerardo Romano, Patricia Ércole, Carmiña Martínez, Julián Díaz and José Acosta.

There’s an old-fashioned and romantic air to Itzia, Tango & Cacao right from the very start, it has a warm and comforting air. It’s filled with a wholesome atmosphere, one that matches very well with the quietness to the film, telling things from Itzia’s (Martínez) perspective and using minimal dialogue. Flora Martínez’s direction has an endearingly positive and sweet quality, which is enjoyable but can be overly consistent.

All throughout it has a lovely colour and friendly atmosphere, but it never really expands beyond that. Part of the issue is that the story doesn’t have a very complicated journey to make. Unfortunately, by the end, it’s closer to a soap-opera, things are resolved too simply while there are a few threads left loose. Particularly Itzia’s blossoming friendship with Jared (Julián Díaz), the two make for an extremely charming pair, who are really enjoyable to watch but their arc never truly comes to a close.

Martínez’s performance is a highlight of the film in that she creates such a generous, kind character who sees the best in life. She’s independent and smart but also has a huge dollop of optimism which could be seen as naivety, but she’s simply a giving person. She has a great personality and her interactions with the ensemble along the way bring a lovely sense of humour to the mix.

Itzia, Tango & Cacao is lovingly wholesome and sweet, it’s filled with a romantic air, a curiosity and a zest for life, and chocolate. Flora Martínez imparts all of those qualities both to her direction and to her character Itzia, she’s endearing to watch and has a wonderful chemistry with Julián Díaz. Unfortunately, it lets itself down by being too simple, it meanders to its big finale, but the journey was actually more interesting than the destination. It goes for a big soap-opera styled ending, when it’s quirky and unexpected interactions along the way were the real star of the story.

Verdict: ✯✯✯ | 6/10

Screening as part of Wales One World Film Festival