The Secret She Wasn’t Supposed to Find: Carla Simón on ROMERÍA

Carla Simón’s new film ROMERÍA follows Marina, a young woman who travels to Galicia in search of the truth about the parents she never really knew. What begins as a practical errand becomes something harder to name — an excavation of memory, silence, and the stories families carry across generations.

In this conversation, Simón reflects on the autobiographical roots of the film, the challenge of transforming private history into cinema, working with young performers, and the delicate balance between grief, imagination, and discovery.

Following the international success of SUMMER 1993 and ALCARRÀS, ROMERÍA may be her most personal film yet.

INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE is hosted by Greg Laemmle and Raphael Sbarge in partnership with Laemmle Theatres. New episodes every week — follow wherever you listen.

Episode Guide:

0:00 Introduction: The Inspiration Behind ROMERÍA2:17 Exploring Personal Grief and Memory5:51 Historical Memory and the Heroin Crisis in Spain7:09 Connecting with Biological Roots8:34 Clip: Investigating the Past11:34 The Mystery of Memory and Family Secrets14:01 Using Personal Letters as Narrative Tools15:51 The Casting Process: Mixing Non-Actors and Professionals18:01 The Benefit of Three-Month Rehearsals26:01 Trailer Analysis and Cinematic Approach30:05 Defining the Title: ROMERÍA as Pilgrimage and Celebration33:04 Cinema as Personal Therapy34:03 Audience Reception and Future Projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices