Dolores Oliverio, the young dancer who dazzles as the protagonist in La Virgen de la Tosquera: "My mom left the cinema and told me I scared her"
Dolores Oliverio stars as Natalia in the Argentine film La Virgen de la Tosquera, which has been showcased at international festivals and won awards for its independent production.
Dolores Oliverio, a 21-year-old emerging talent, takes center stage in the Argentine independent film La Virgen de la Tosquera (2025), which adapts two stories by Mariana Enriquez. The film has received notable recognition, including being featured at prestigious international festivals like Sundance in the United States and Sitges in Spain, and it won the major award at the 2025 BAFICI. Oliverio's performance has left a lasting impression on audiences, evidenced by her mother's response to the film, indicating it had a frightening impact.
In her role as Natalia, Oliverio portrays a young girl living with her witch grandmother in Ituzaingó, Buenos Aires Province. The film's narrative digs into themes of abandonment and resilience, as Natalia's mother has left for Spain amidst an economic crisis. The casting process for the lead character serendipitously led the film's production team to discover Oliverio, who impressed them with her striking features and profound dark eyes, making her an ideal fit for the role. At the time, she was only 18 years old and was just beginning to pursue her passion for dance seriously.
Dolores had trained under Flavio Mendoza, portraying a strong connection to her artistic roots as a dancer. Her journey from dance to acting underscores the diversity of artistic expression and highlights how talents can often transcend mediums. La Virgen de la Tosquera not only showcases her ability to embody a complex character but also speaks to the vibrant landscape of contemporary Argentine cinema, offering fresh voices and stories that resonate with both local and international audiences.