Nicolas Mateo Movies

Two athletes look to their sport to help them repair their damaged lives in this psychological drama from Argentine filmmaker Veronica Chen. Goyo (Rafael Ferro) was once a top-ranked competitive swimmer until it was discovered he was using performance-enhancing drugs, leading to a scandal that stalled his career. Looking for a way back into the game, Goyo is coaching Chino (Nicolas Mateo), a promising newcomer who has skills not unlike Goyo, but doesn't have the same appetite for competition. Chino's interest in swimming is pragmatic -- he grew up in severe poverty, and he wants a better life for his girlfriend Luisa (Jimena Anganuzzi) and the child she's carrying. Goyo, however, hasn't found the kind of stability in his personal life that Chino enjoys; even though he's long divorced from his first wife Maria (Gloria Carra), he keeps trying futilely trying to win her back, while shrugging off the attentions of Ana (Leonora Balcarce), who is clearly attracted to him. As Goyo prepares Chino for an important marathon river race, the personal issues that follow the two men become nearly as important as their technique in the water. Agua received its North American premiere at the 2007 San Francisco International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Unemployment among the young in Buenos Aires is the focus of this docudrama, the first feature from director Sandra Gugliotta. A Lucky Day focuses on Elsa, a young woman who dreams of fleeing her impoverished corner of Argentina for Italy, where an erstwhile boyfriend may or may not be waiting for her. Much as her friends try to persuade her to stay, Elsa feels the crushing legacy of her ancestors on her shoulders. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi