What happens to the collective memory of an oppressed country if the ones who report on the oppression fail to remember? This is the question Oscar-nominated Chilean director Maite Alberdi’s The Eternal Memory asks of its main subjects: renowned journalist Augusto Góngora, who is in late-stage dementia; and Paulina Urrutia, a culture minister and Góngora’s life partner of 25 years.

Alberti tends to make observational documentaries (The Mole Agent) without using interviews. She likes to see and capture processes and changes in front of the camera. The idea being that in that period of time, people are experiencing a lot of transformations.

The failing of Augusto’s memory means Paulina constantly reminds him of who he is and what they mean to each other. It is this constant reassurance that keeps Augusto going every single day. In a bittersweet way, Augusto falls in love with Paulina over and over again.

We witness many transformations in The Eternal Memory – for Augusto but also for Paulina. Overall, this is an universal film about love. It is also a love story told through cinematic language, not always seen in documentaries. It is one of the most moving love stories I have seen in a long time. There is so much to appreciate in this film.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alberdi during Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival. When discussing how filming Paulina and Augusto’s intimate story came about, she shared it all began during a class she was taking in a university in Chile. There she met noticed Paulina would bring Augusto with her to classes. Maite was impressed and moved by how Paulina incorporated Augusto’s dementia in her day to day life.

Soon enough, the three met up and discussed the idea of making this documentary. Both Paulina were on board from the beginning. For Augusto, who used to be a journalist, making this documentary was a means for him to continue with his work in terms of chronicling life in Chile. This time, it would be his life alongside Paulina. For Alberdi, this meant another opportunity to closely observe the changing lives of well beloved couple.

With so much access and material, Alberdi mentioned the film ultimately “is about time and memory – about mental associations. It basically wrote itself in the editing room.” The result is a story that stays with you for some time.

The Eternal Memory is a reminder of the fragility of memory but also about the long lasting power of love.