The Broken R

Like his father, Ricardo Ruales Eguiguren has Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS). As well as making him look different from other people, for many years this genetic facial disorder prevented him from pronouncing the letter “r”. So he remained silent. There wasn’t much talking at home anyway— neither about the TCS in the family, nor the fact that he is gay.

In this intimate, personal film essay, the director, now in his 30s, returns to his parental home, where silence still reigns at the kitchen table. His camera observes his parents, sometimes secretly. In voice-over he recalls a childhood dominated by rejection and surgeries, and reflects on his complex bond with his parents. He wonders aloud: why didn't his father ever seem to have a problem with his condition?

In The Broken R, Ruales Eguiguren reflects on his past, examines family ties and searches for his identity and his own voice. His distinctive video recordings—accompanied on the soundtrack by introspective musings, questions, and conclusions—are interspersed with images of the elements and nature.