The film premiered in competition at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival on May 21 , 2008 . It opened nationwide on August 21 , 2008 , after being screened at the Locarno International Film Festival earlier that month . While '' The Headless Woman '' was mostly lauded by critics for its cinematography and social commentary , others were critical towards the film 's slow pace and lack of clear narrative . In 2016 , the film appeared on No. 89th on BBC 's list of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century
2008 Cannes Film Festival
2008 Cannes Film Festival
The Headless Woman (2008 film)