Arima León’s Debut Feature 'Tal vez' Explores the Hidden Bond Between Pinito del Oro and Natalia Sosa Ayala
Arima León’s debut feature Tal vez, a biographical drama exploring the intimate connection between circus legend Pinito del Oro and writer Natalia Sosa Ayala, arrives in theaters on July 10.
Tal vez, the debut feature film from director Arima León, is a deep dive into the emotional history of the legendary circus performer Pinito del Oro and her connection to writer Natalia Sosa Ayala. Following its premiere at the 25th Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival, the film sold out every screening, proving that the seven years spent developing the project were well worth the wait.
The story is built around a decade of letters exchanged between Sosa Ayala and the trapeze artist. By using these writings as a foundation, León reconstructs their relationship, aiming to move past the cold, stereotypical image often associated with the acrobat. To do this, the director dramatized the missing letters from Pinito del Oro, using the writer’s own replies to provide a more human, nuanced perspective.
The casting choices prioritize both star power and emotional accuracy. Adriana Ugarte plays Pinito del Oro, delivering a technically precise performance, while Tania Santana portrays Sosa Ayala—a casting choice praised by artist Pepe Dámaso for the actress's natural affinity with the writer. The film’s setting also feels authentic, moving away from "postcard" imagery to depict the reality of the Canary Islands during the late sixties and mid-nineties.
Beyond the biography, the film explores the women’s failed attempt to publish a joint book, a project that eventually fell apart and was reduced to scattered press articles. León uses this narrative to examine Canarian identity, challenging the traditional, upper-class view of the islands. Drawing on her own family background in farming, the director highlights a history shaped by economic instability and the pressures of tourism and agriculture.
The film also makes a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. By portraying intimacy between the two women, León offers a perspective she feels has been missing from a male-dominated industry. Supported by Sosa Ayala’s niece, Maveve Padilla, the film uses the circus as a symbol of refuge and memory. Tal vez arrives in theaters on July 10.