The Sundays

Seventeen-year-old Ainara (convincingly portrayed by Blanca Soroa in her first feature film) is an intelligent and idealistic woman who lost her mother at a young age. Just like her religious mother and other family members, she attends a Christian school. Everyone around her expects her to go to university, but she herself seems to lean more toward a contemplative life as a nun. Wanneer Ainara her family she tells that she is considering entering a convent, this provokes various reactions. Her father doubts, but above all wants to support his daughter. Her atheist aunt Maite thinks that her niece is about to throw her life away. Does she really want this, or has she been influenced by the spiritual guidance of her school? Los Domingos by the Spanish director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (Dicen, Cinco Lobitos) is food for discussion, and explores the positive sides as well as the downsides of Ainara's religious calling. At the same time, it raises questions about tolerance, indoctrination, conformity and personal freedom. With subtle observations and sharp dialogues, a poignant portrait emerges of a young girl trying to find her own path. The film was a huge success in Spain, and had its world premiere at the Filmfestival van San Sebastián. There it bagged no less than five prizes, including the Gouden Schelp for Beste Film. In België the film premiered at the Film Festival Oostende.