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Celebrating Chilean cinema: A trio of filmmakers at Sanfic
Honoring the visionaries
For the first time, three of Chile’s most acclaimed filmmakers are coming together at the Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic). Sebastián Lelio, Maite Alberdi, and Pablo Larraín will be honored at the festival’s inauguration on August 18 for their extraordinary contributions to both Chilean and global cinema.
The big three of Chilean cinema
Sebastián Lelio, who won an Oscar for Best International Feature with his 2017 drama A Fantastic Woman, Maite Alberdi, twice nominated for her documentaries The Mole Agent and The Eternal Memory, and Pablo Larraín, whose film No was shortlisted for Best International Film in 2013, will be celebrated for their impactful storytelling and cinematic achievements.
A legacy of accolades
These filmmakers have been recognized by some of the most prestigious film festivals worldwide, including Cannes, Venice, and San Sebastian. Their collective work has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying their status as the “Big Three” of Chilean cinema, akin to Mexico’s “Tres Amigos”: Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu.
Women directors in focus
Maite Alberdi will remain at Sanfic to participate in a panel titled “Women Directors in Focus” on August 20. This panel will feature other directors from Latin America, discussing the unique challenges and triumphs of women in the film industry. Alberdi’s debut fiction film, El lugar de la otra, is set to compete for the Golden Shell at the 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival in September.
New projects on the horizon
Pablo Larraín will soon head to the Venice Film Festival to present his latest film, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas. This film is part of the official selection and is highly anticipated by critics and audiences alike.
Sebastián Lelio, on the other hand, will be busy editing his latest project, The Wave (“La Ola”), a musical drama inspired by the 2018 feminist protests in Santiago. This film promises to be a powerful exploration of social movements and their impact on society.
The powerhouse behind the hits
Behind many of these successful films is Fabula, Larraín’s production company, co-founded with his brother Juan de Dios Larraín. Fabula has produced Alberdi’s El lugar de la otra and The Eternal Memory, as well as Lelio’s earlier films, including A Fantastic Woman and most recently, The Wave.
A retrospective of iconic films
Sanfic will be showcasing the trio’s most iconic films in a retrospective celebrating 20 years of Chilean cinema. This includes Larraín’s Tony Manero, which won Best Film in the international competition at Sanfic in 2008, Alberdi’s La Once, which won Best Chilean Film and Best Director at the 10th edition of Sanfic in 2014, and Lelio’s Navidad, which received a special jury mention at Sanfic 5 in 2009.
A week of cinematic celebration
The 20th edition of Sanfic runs from August 18 to 25, promising a week filled with screenings, panels, and celebrations of Chilean cinema. This festival not only honors the achievements of Lelio, Alberdi, and Larraín but also highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of Chilean filmmaking.
For cinema enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of stories and perspectives that these filmmakers bring to the screen. Their work continues to inspire and challenge audiences, making a significant impact on the global cinematic landscape.
