News from Paraguay, The

Set in 1854 Paris, the story follows Francisco Solano, who later becomes the dictator of Paraguay, as he woos the enchanting Irish courtesan Ella Lynch. Their romance unfolds with vibrant cultural elements, including a Paraguayan band and a horse named Mathilde. Ella moves to Asunción to be with Franco, but finds herself isolated in a foreign land. As she becomes his mistress, she becomes entwined in his ambitious yet doomed imperial vision, which ultimately leads to tragedy for Paraguay.