Celebrating its European premiere March 18 at the Malaga Film Fest, “The Day of the Storm” (“El día de la tormenta”) by Alexander Viola delves into the blending of Christian and African beliefs in the Dominican Republic, particularly in the region of San Juan de la Maguana.
“This region in the deep south is rich in myths, supernatural stories and Santería practices, where the mystical and the everyday coexist,” said Viola and Cristian Mojica, his co-screenwriter and producing partner in their company Mentes Fritas.
“These traditions not only preserve local folklore but also offer a way to make sense of life’s mysteries. In ‘The Day of the Storm,’ we examine how these spiritual beliefs shape the perception of reality in communities living in these historically and mystically charged areas,” they told Variety.
The psychological thriller revolves around Macario, who is certain that his daughter is the witch behind the deaths of several village children. Crushed by fear and guilt, he cannot bear the accusing eyes of his neighbors. He retreats to the mountains, grappling with doubt and the agony of believing his own blood carries the horror. Determined to end the evil plaguing his people, he steels himself to face the darkness — no matter the cost.
“The story is inspired by real events that took place in a town near where I grew up, combined with legends and popular tales that marked my childhood and that of Cristian,” Viola explained.
“Our interest was to explore how faith and beliefs can shape the perception of reality, influencing everyday life and the way people interpret the events around them. Through ‘The Day of the Storm,’ we sought to capture that blurred line between the real and the supernatural, showing how local folklore narratives remain alive in the collective memory and in the way communities face the unknown,” he added.
Some parts of the film have black-and-white sequences that feature people from the region as they relate the stories they’ve heard.
“At Mentes Fritas, we are interested in projects that challenge the boundaries of cinematic language and resonate with our Caribbean identity. We are motivated by the possibility of merging magical realism with the absurd and humor, creating universes where reality and fantasy intertwine organically,” said Mojica, adding: “In the case of ‘The Day of the Storm,’ we were drawn to how the thriller genre could serve as a vehicle to build visual and sensory experiences that capture the essence of the Caribbean and the imagination of its people.”
Founded in 2007, the company has cultivated a robust Caribbean identity, starting with its first feature, “Azul Magia,” which attracted over nine million views on streaming platforms. A project it co-produced, “Rafaela” by Tito Rodríguez, won the Primera Mirada award at the Panama International Film Festival. It also clinched Best Feature Film at the Puerto Rico Film Festival, Best Director at the Dominican Film Festival in New York and Best Drama at the La Silla DR Awards.
“The Day of the Storm” took home Best Feature at the Dominican Film Festival in New York. The company’s latest project, “La Bachata del Bionico” by Yoel Morales, premiered at SXSW, where it won the Global Audience Award. It was also an Official Selection at Open Doors Screenings at the Locarno Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival, among others.
Viola’s upcoming docufiction pic, “Fragrancia Tropical,” participates in Malaga’s WIP section while the debut feature of Patricia Pepen in development, “El Amor en los tiempos de Bacaneria” participates in the Warmi lab at Malaga this year. The Dominican Republic is the country guest of honor at Malaga in this edition.
Caribbean Films Distribution, a subsidiary of Caribbean Cinemas, will be releasing “The Day of the Storm” in the Dominican Republic on July 17.
The 28th Malaga Film Festival opened on March 14 and wraps on March 23.
