On March 15th, 2021, POV co-production The Mole Agent became the first Chilean film ever to be nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards. POV is thrilled to have been a part of the film's journey beginning all the way back in November 2017. To celebrate the film's upcoming trip to Los Angeles for the Oscars, we want to look back at the milestones as Sergio's story has captivated hearts and minds all around the world!
January 25th, 2020: Sundance Premiere
The Mole Agent premieres at the Egyptian Theatre at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The film received rave reviews after its premiere, inspiring Indiewire to call it "the most heartwarming spy movie ever made."
Pictured: POV executive director Justine Nagan (far left) and executive producer Chris White (far right) with The Mole Agent film team.
April 29th, 2020: POV Announces Season
POV announces that The Mole Agent will broadcast as part of its 33rd season, joining a stellar lineup of films spotlighting community activists and essential workers all around the world. POV first got involved with the film in the fall of 2017 and supported the project as it developed over the following years.
September 1, 2020: The Reviews Pour In
In The New York Times Glenn Kenny writes: "the film's people are moving, and the payoff is compassionate, humane and worth heeding." In The Hollywood Reporter John DeFore called it "a refreshing, beautifully made documentary" while Carol Midgley in The Times (UK) added "Sweet, charming and poignant... a meditation on growing old, loneliness and making a life when confined in an institution." As the COVID-19 crisis deepens, The Mole Agent's message about loneliness and elder care proves heartbreakingly prescient.
January 25th, 2021: The Mole Agent Broadcasts on POV
Millions of PBS viewers tune in to watch The Mole Agent's public television debut. After the film, POV was flooded with enthusiastic viewer responses, especially from caregivers, nursing home workers and those taking care of elderly family members. Here's an example: "I just watched The Mole Agent and it was magnificent! I am 77 and a retired RN. The documentary exceeded expectations. Thank you for sharing this old age experience.. as we near the end of our journey."
March 2021: Awards Season!
After being nominated for Best Iberoamerican Film at the Goya Awards, it was announced that The Mole Agent made the Oscars Shortlist for both Best Foreign Film and Best Documentary Film. The film then became the first Chilean film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. This news comes after Sergio is named one of "The Unforgettables" during the Cinema Eye Honors and the film receives a nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Documentary Feature.
April 2021: The Mole Agent Preps for the Ceremony
After receiving his vaccine in February, Sergio and the rest of The Mole Agent team are getting ready to attend the Oscars Ceremony on April 25th. This will be the 85-year-old Sergio's first time on an airplane! Meanwhile, Director Maite Alberdi continues to give interviews about the importance of the film and the need for a heightened awareness of the loneliness and isolation of our elderly loved ones. You can hear her recent appearance on The Washington Post Livehere.
The Mole Agent is available to share with your community through POV Engage's Community Network Lending Library. Learn more about how to host a screening here.
Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyncote Foundation. Additional funding comes from The John S. and James Knight Foundation, Nancy Blachman and David desJardins, Bertha Foundation, Reva & David Logan Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Chicago Media Project, Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Sage Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee and public television viewers. POV is presented by a consortium of public television stations, including KQED San Francisco, WGBH Boston and THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG.
