JA Bayona’s film is a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the 1972 plane crash, but also to the survivors whose cameos appear in the footage.
With The Snow Society, the Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona has amply demonstrated his ability to handle sensitive stories with sensitivity and respect. And something you probably haven’t realized, unless you’re up to date with documentaries about the tragedy of the Flight 571 of the Uruguayan Air Forceis that the survivors and their families have been included in the film
This not only pays tribute to their experiences, but also creates a direct link between the audience and the reality of the tragedy. In addition to its resounding success with record numbersthis respectful approach has been praised by critics and the publichighlighting the importance of telling these stories in a way that honors the truth and the memory of those who lived through the events.
⚠️ The text that follows after the trailer contains spoilers. If you have not seen The Snow Society, we recommend not continuing reading.
All the Snow Society cameos
50 years after the accident, these are the original survivors of the accident who participated in the film.
ANTONIO VIZINTÍN – An enigma in the credits
Antonio Vizintín, known as Tintin, appears in the credits of The Snow Society, although his cameo appears to be a mystery. Although he is summoned as an extra at the Montevideo airport, the film It does not present a plan that allows it to be recognized. Either she appears in the distance or her involvement was left out of the final cut in the editing room.
CARLOS «CARLITOS» PÁEZ – The only cameo with dialogue
Carlitos Páez, the youngest survivor of the accident, has a prominent role in the film. Played by Felipe González Otaño, his task of sealing the plane’s cabin to prevent freezing is crucial. However, the real Carlitos makes a special appearance playing his own father, Carlos Páez Vilaro, who, at the end of the film, reads the names of the survivors over the radio. This is the only cameo that includes dialogue.
DANIEL FERNÁNDEZ STRAUCH «FITO» – Leader and collaborator
Daniel Fernández Strauch, cousin of the Strauch brothers and leader among the survivors, also contributes to the film. His cameo occurs during the mass at the beginning of the film, where he can be seen sitting in the second row on the left side in one of the long shots.
FERNANDO “NANDO” PARRADO – A decisive figure for survival
Fernando Parrado, a key member to overcome the tragedy, could not be missing his representation within the film. During the pre-boarding scene at the airport, he is seen opening the door for the actor who plays him, recalling his essential role in the real story.
GUSTAVO ZERBINO – A credit without a recognizable face
Gustavo Zerbino also appears in the credits, but his face is not recognizable in any shot. The film credits him as the coach of the Old Christians rugby team, which did not board the plane.
JOAQUIN DE FREITAS TURCATTI – A family bond on the screen
Joaquin de Freitas Turcatti, nephew of Numa, the film’s protagonist, plays his uncle’s neighbor in a moving scene. His participation adds a personal touch to the story, remembering the family connection in the midst of tragedy.
JOSÉ LUIS INCIARTE «COCHE» – Posthumous collaboration
José Luis Inciarte, nicknamed Coche, collaborated in the filming before his death in July 2023. His cameo, watching him read the newspaper in the bar scene, becomes an emotional posthumous tribute.
RAMÓN SABELLA «MONCHO» – A fleeting greeting
Ramón Sabella, nicknamed Moncho, makes a brief appearance as an extra at the airport before the trip. His fleeting crossing of the screen while Javier and Liliana Methol say goodbye to their families adds authenticity to the film.
ROBERTO CANESSA – From the glacier to the hospital
Roberto Canessa, the young doctor who descended from the glacier in search of help, also has his well-deserved cameo in The Snow Society. He appears as one of the doctors at the hospital following the rescue, a reminder of his crucial role in the real story.
