Lisandro Alonso (born 1975) is an Argentine film director, screenwriter, and editor. He is associated with the New Argentine Cinema movement and is noted for his minimalist aesthetic, long takes, and the use of non‑professional actors to convey stark realism.
Early life and education
Alonso was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied filmmaking at the Escuela Nacional de Experimentación y Realización Cinematográfica (ENERC), the country's national film school.
Career
Alonso began his career directing short films and documentaries before moving into feature-length narrative cinema. His first feature, La Pool (2007), premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its austere visual style and observational storytelling. The film earned several awards, including the Best Film prize at the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema.
His second feature, Jauja (2014), was selected for the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Directors' Fortnight Grand Prize. Jauja continues Alonso’s thematic focus on isolation and the landscape, set against the backdrop of 19th‑century South America.
Alonso has also directed a number of short works and experimental pieces, such as The Silence of the Moon (2004) and The Odds (2009), which further develop his signature approach of sustained shots and minimal dialogue.
Style and themes
Alonso’s films are characterized by long, unbroken takes, natural lighting, and an emphasis on the everyday lives of ordinary people. He frequently eschews conventional plot structures, opting instead for a contemplative rhythm that foregrounds the physical environment and the subtle gestures of his characters. Critics have described his work as “cinema of the unspoken,” highlighting its focus on visual storytelling over dialogue.
Filmography (selected)
| Year | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Silence of the Moon (short) | Short film |
| 2007 | La Pool | Feature film |
| 2009 | The Odds (short) | Short film |
| 2014 | Jauja | Feature film |
Awards and recognition
- 2007 Cannes Film Festival – Directors' Fortnight, La Pool (official selection)
- 2007 Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema – Best Film, La Pool
- 2014 Cannes Film Festival – Directors' Fortnight Grand Prize, Jauja
Personal life
Alonso maintains a low public profile and has not disclosed extensive personal details. He continues to reside in Argentina and works both as a filmmaker and occasional educator in film workshops.
References
- Cannes Film Festival archives, Directors' Fortnight selections (2007, 2014).
- Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema award records (2007).
This entry reflects information available from established film festival records and reputable cinema publications.