Narciso (2026)

Narciso is a 2026 Paraguayan drama thriller directed and co-written by Marcelo Martinessi, known for the acclaimed film The Heiresses. Set in Paraguay under the oppressive military regime of the late 1950s, the film follows charismatic radio host Narciso, whose love of rock and roll and growing popularity turn him into a symbol of freedom. His provocative broadcasts attract devoted listeners as well as dangerous attention.

Inspired by notorious real-life events, the film combines historical drama, noir and suspense to explore artistic freedom, desire, fear and political repression. The international cast includes Diro Romero as Narciso, Manuel Cuenca, Arturo Fleitas, Margarita Irún, Mona Martínez and Nahuel Pérez Biscayart. The film was shot in Asunción and is produced through a multinational collaboration involving Paraguay, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, France and Uruguay.

• Narciso premiered in the Panorama section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival on February 17, 2026.
• The film won the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film in the Berlinale Panorama section.
• Principal photography took place entirely in Asunción, Paraguay, with filming beginning in March 2024 and concluding in April 2024.
• Marcelo Martinessi wrote, directed, produced and edited the film, while Luis Arteaga served as cinematographer and Zeltia Montes composed the original music.
• The film is presented primarily in Spanish and draws on the cultural atmosphere of Paraguay during the Stroessner era, with rock and roll serving as an important symbol of generational change.