The San Sebastian Film Festival is celebrating and promoting female filmmakers from Latin America through its Horizontes Latinos sidebar section. This year’s program lineup, unveiled on Thursday, includes 12 features, with eight of them directed by women. These films come from directors of Latino origin and were either entirely or partially produced in Latin America but have not yet been released in Spain.
One of the highlighted films is “A Ravaging Wind” by Argentine filmmaker Paula Hernández, which will open the section. Adapted from Selva Almada’s novel of the same name, the film follows the story of a preacher and his daughter whose car breaks down during their mission to spread the gospel. Hernández’s previous feature, “The Sleepwalkers,” also screened in the Horizontes Latinos sidebar at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2019.
Other notable female directors returning to the Horizontes Latinos section include Tatiana Huezo, who will present her Mexican documentary “The Echo.” The film won the best documentary prize and the best director honor for the Encounters section at the Berlin film festival this year. Brazilian director Carolina Markowicz will showcase her second feature, “Toll,” which revolves around a highway toll worker desperate to change the fate of her gay son. Lucía Puenzo, known for “The German Doctor,” will screen her fifth feature, “Los impactados,” which explores a woman’s struggles with physical and psychological changes after being struck by lightning.
The lineup also features three female directorial debuts. María Zanetti’s “Alemania,” which won the ArteKino International Award at the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum in 2021, delves into the mother-son relationship. Dolores Fonzi, an actress turned director, presents “Blondi,” a drama centered around a mother-son bond. Camila Fabbri’s “Clara Gets Lost in the Woods” sees the director herself in the leading role, portraying a woman dealing with a traumatic incident from her past. Additionally, Mexican director Lila Avilés, known for her feature debut “The Chambermaid,” premiering in the New Directors section in 2018, will showcase her second feature, “Totem.” The film follows a 7-year-old girl witnessing the crumbling of her family foundations.
Related Post
Completing the Horizontes Latinos lineup are Martín Benchimol’s “The Castle,” Guto Parente’s “A Strange Path,” David Zonana’s “Heroic,” and Felipe Gálvez’s “The Settlers.”
The San Sebastian Film Festival, scheduled from September 22 to 30, aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives within the Latin American filmmaking industry. By highlighting the work of female directors, the festival recognizes their unique storytelling and contributions to the cinematic landscape. This focus on gender inclusion is not only important for representation but also encourages the industry to acknowledge and support the talent of women filmmakers.
Through showcasing films that explore a wide range of themes and genres, the Horizontes Latinos section offers audiences a diverse and captivating cinematic experience. From documentaries to dramas, these films provide an insight into the rich cultural and social fabric of Latin America. By introducing these films to international audiences, the San Sebastian Film Festival promotes cross-cultural exchange and fosters a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives within the Latin American region.
Furthermore, the festival’s commitment to supporting female filmmakers extends beyond the Horizontes Latinos section. The inclusion of films directed by women throughout the entire program emphasizes the importance of gender equality and recognizes the artistic achievements of female directors. By providing a platform for their work, the festival empowers these filmmakers and encourages the industry to continue championing gender diversity.
In conclusion, the San Sebastian Film Festival’s Horizontes Latinos sidebar section plays a crucial role in shining a spotlight on female filmmakers from Latin America. With a lineup featuring eight films directed by women, the festival celebrates their artistic vision and storytelling while promoting greater gender equality within the industry. Through these films, audiences have the opportunity to explore diverse narratives and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social fabric of Latin America. By championing female directors, the festival not only creates a platform for their work but also inspires the industry to foster greater gender inclusion and diversity.
