Zama (film)

Zama is a 2017 Argentinian period drama film directed by Lucrecia Martel. It is based on the 1956 novel of the same name by Antonio di Benedetto.

The film follows Don Diego de Zama, a Spanish officer of the Crown stationed in a remote colonial outpost in 18th-century South America. Zama is desperate for a transfer to a more prestigious location, hoping to rejoin his wife and children. However, he remains trapped in his bureaucratic limbo, facing endless delays and frustrating encounters as he navigates the complex social and political landscape of the colony. He endures isolation, illness, and madness as he waits, endlessly, for the King's letter that will grant him his desired transfer.

The film explores themes of colonialism, alienation, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of the human condition. It is known for its slow pace, dreamlike atmosphere, and unconventional narrative structure, reflecting Zama's deteriorating mental state. Zama was selected as the Argentinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.