100 Days with Tata/100 Dias con la Tata

Spain, 2021, 88 minutes, Colour.

Miguel Angel Munoz, Luisa Cantera.

Directed by Miguel Angel Munoz.

A popular documentary when that appeals to the funnybone as well as to tears!

It is a tour de force for comedian, singer, actor, director, Miguel Angel Munoz who is behind the camera directing but, for the most part, and happily and eagerly, starring in front of the camera. And has won some awards.

Miguel has always been in touch with the sister of his great-grandmother, Luisa Cantera. The film fills in some background about Luisa, photos of her from the past, film clips. We build up a picture of her, especially as she is growing older, some episodes when she is 90. However, for the main part of this film, she is 95.

Miguel, highly extroverted and excitable, generally in great humour, devoted to his Tata, He has spent a lot of time with her, talking, laughing, taking her out, entertaining her.

But, the key of the film, and this makes it significant for carers who are watching, is that the hundred days take place in the lockdown because of Covid 19 in 2020. The couple spend over three months together, in the confinement of the apartment.

With the focus on Luisa, there is a great deal to be appreciated about growing old, growing old graciously, keeping a sense of humour, knowing physical limitations, knowing mental and memory limitations, but always responding to the care of Miguel. For Miguel, it is a continuation of his care for his Tata in the past, but trying to be inventive in living in close quarters for such a long time, conversation, meals, physical care, showers, putting her to bed, her physical limitations.

But, it also puts pressure on Miguel himself, the psychological pressure, the physical consequences.

One of the ways in which they spend their time is for Miguel to photograph Luisa, especially putting her on Instagram. And, rather suddenly, there is a good number of followers, a great number of followers, an increasing number of followers, fans willing to give their opinions on Instagram as well. Tata becomes a social media star entertaining so many people in the Spanish-speaking world and beyond, through Instagram.

The amount of enjoyment from this film will depend on audience interest in and liking for Miguel and Tata – Miguel sometimes straining audience response with his more than touches of on camera exhibitionism! But, as can be seen, it is all in a good cause.