Aina Clotet Debuts 'Viva' at Cannes Critics’ Week 2026

Aina Clotet Explores Life and Desire in Directorial Debut ‘Viva’ at Cannes

The 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week is set to showcase a bold new voice in cinema. Catalan multihyphenate Aina Clotet—already a celebrated actress and screenwriter—is stepping behind the camera for her feature directorial debut, Viva (released internationally as Alive).

The film is a centerpiece of the prestigious sidebar competition running alongside the main Cannes Film Festival from May 13–21. Clotet not only directed and co-wrote the project with Valentina Viso but also takes on the lead role of Nora, a woman grappling with an existential crisis.

Facing Death to Find Life

The story follows 40-year-old Nora, whose perspective on existence is shattered after a near-death experience. This brush with mortality sparks a frantic, almost desperate, hunger to feel "alive."

Nora’s journey leads her into the arms of two men: Tom and Max. Their vastly different personalities act as mirrors to Nora's own internal chaos. However, the film suggests that romance might just be a temporary fix for a much deeper, more haunting fear that Nora must eventually face alone.

Exclusive First Look: Fairgrounds and Chainsaws

Ahead of its world premiere, exclusive footage has surfaced giving fans a taste of the film’s unique tone.

The Fairground Scene: One clip shows Nora immersed in the world of a younger generation, capturing a sense of fleeting freedom and playfulness.

The "Drill" Scene: A second, more intense clip features Nora releasing pent-up energy in a sequence that critics are already comparing to the raw, visceral energy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

A Powerhouse Production

Viva is produced by Edmon Roch at Ikiru Films and co-produced by Clotet’s own banner, Funicular Films. With cinematography by Nilo Zimmermann and a cast including Naby Dakhli and Marc Soler, the film is positioned as one of the most anticipated Spanish entries in the 2026 festival circuit.

As international sales are handled by Loco Films, Viva is expected to make a significant impact on the global indie film market following its Cannes debut.