Alamar, shown in the U.S. as To the Sea (2009), is directed, written, produced, filmed, and edited by Pedro González-Rubio. The film follows a young man from Italy, Natan Machado Palombini, who joins his father, Jorge Machado, and his grandfather, Nestór Marín, in a fishing village on the coast of Mexico.
As would be expected, this represents an immense change in culture and experience for Natan. However, his father and grandfather are so gentle, and their life--as portrayed in the film--so full of dignity, that Natan makes the transition smoothly and well.
This is an independent film that works, mainly because the characters are likable, the setting is new and different for U.S. viewers, and no artificial problems or disasters are introduced to move the plot forward.
This film will be acceptable on a small screen, but will work better on a large screen, because the sea and sky are an integral part of the film's composition. (We saw it at the Rochester 360- 365 film festival.) However, in any format, it's worth seeking out and viewing.
