SYNOPSIS: The love story of world-renowned ballerina Margot Fonteyn and international diplomat Roberto “Tito” Arias transcend fame, infidelities, an attempted coup d’état backed by Fidel Castro, and five close-range shots that left him permanently paralyzed is told in the feature-length documentary, Tito, Margot and Me, Panama’s Official Oscar Submission for Best International Film.
When they first met (about age 18), she was an unknown dancer (British), and he was the first son of Panama who was studying law at Cambridge. Sixteen years later they met again. She was a world-renowned ballerina, and he was a married diplomat with three children. The documentary states he was willing to terminate the marriage for her to be with him. Such began the romance of Margot Fonteyn and Roberto “Tito” Arias – a complicated love story for the ages. Photos of the charismatic Panamanian diplomat Tito Arias and the beautiful ballerina show what a handsome couple they are.
The film is co-directed by Mercedes Arias, the niece of Tito and Margot, and Delfina Vidal. It is written by the co – directors and Joaneska Grössl. The film delves into the untold past to uncover footage, letters, photos and accounts from Fonteyn’s autobiography that reveal a fascinating real-life tale of political intrigue and undying passion.
I was completely focused on viewing this story of two people from very different worlds met in their youth. Although after years of not seeing each other, he found her and did not stay away despite her turning him down at first. I have heard of love stories as this, but the details of life in politics for them is quite eye opening as I am not aware of Panama’s history. This is such an interesting story of their lives as told by a niece, along with all the history found about the family. It is sad to learn of the five close-range shots that leave him a quadriplegic, but it is uplifting to see them continue together and his determination to live life as fully as possible. The documentary/biopic is very well done as it contains information on art, culture, music, ballet, romance, politics and history. There are dance sequences featuring ballerinas Maruja Herrera and Valentino Zucchetti that add so much between scenes.
The cinematography is by Alexandra Henao, and co-cinematographers Luis Franco Brantley and Alvis Gonzales. There is footage from New York, England and Panama. The latter has beautiful seaside views, as well as lovely landscapes and the green of the countryside.
Produced by: Luis Pacheco and Edited by: Juan Quirós, Carlos Revelo Runtime: 92 minutes
Language: English and Spanish with English Subtitles
The film has been in a few film festivals since 2022. Panama’s Official Oscar submission will now make its exclusive North American Premiere on SVOD platform IndiePix Unlimited on Amazon Prime.
Source: IndiePix, Amazon
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