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A fresh look at Latin American cinema: Sanfic Industria’s Ibero-American Work In Progress
A new dawn for Latin American cinema
The Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) has always been a beacon for Latin American cinema, and this year, its Ibero-American Work In Progress (WIP) section is more vibrant than ever. With an expanded lineup of ten films, this year’s selection reflects the post-pandemic resurgence of film production in the region. The increase in submissions by 50% compared to last year is a testament to the growing appeal and significance of Sanfic Industria.
Celebrating diversity and resilience
This year’s WIP lineup is notable for its diversity, featuring five films directed by women. These films place women at the forefront, exploring themes of strength, resilience, and the complexities of motherhood. Titles like The Days With Her and The Beauty of the Moment delve into the nuanced experiences of women, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.
The beauty of the moment
In The Beauty of the Moment, directed by Manuel Berisso and Rodrigo M. Malmsten, we follow Inés, a painter who discovers she has Huntington’s disease while pregnant. The film captures her journey through the love of friends and her passion for art, offering an intimate portrayal of illness and resilience.
The days with her
The Days With Her, directed by Matias Scarvaci, tells the story of Alejandra, who is serving a 12-year sentence in Buenos Aires’ Eceiza prison. She cares for her two-year-old daughter, knowing they will be separated when the child turns four. The film explores themes of loss and the desperate search for reparation.
Genre films making waves
Sanfic Industria’s focus on genre films is evident in this year’s lineup, with titles like The Clearing and Criminal Body pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
The clearing
The Clearing, directed by Maira Carrasco, is a sci-fi drama set in modern-day Santiago. It follows a young medical student who enters a virtual reality world to reunite with his deceased love. Carrasco’s vision combines drama and science fiction elements to create a unique cinematic experience.
Criminal body
Criminal Body, directed by Martín Boulocq, is a genre hybrid that blends horror, documentary, and fiction. The film revolves around two locals in a Bolivian hamlet who are recruited by an American film crew. The narrative explores themes of neo-colonialism and the unsettling experience of being part of a foreign film production.
Stories of reconciliation and memory
Several films in this year’s lineup tackle themes of reconciliation, historical memory, and the fight against neo-colonialism.
Death brought you back
Death Brought You Back, directed by Sebastián Cuevas, follows Silvia as she returns to her childhood home to care for her ailing mother. The film is a poignant exploration of reconciliation and forgiveness, produced by Catalina Alarcón and Amanda Puga’s Southern-Chilean outfit Praxia.
The last witness
The Last Witness, directed by Francesc Relea, is a biographical documentary about Chilean photographer Luis Poirot. The film features interviews with notable figures like Isabel Allende and Pablo Larraín, and delves into Poirot’s extensive archive, capturing significant moments in Chilean history.
Emerging voices and unique perspectives
This year’s WIP lineup also includes films that offer unique perspectives on contemporary issues and personal stories.
Concert for a single voice
Concert for a Single Voice, directed by Alejandra Carpio Valdeavellano, follows Nicolás, a Peruvian student in Paris, who is forced to reconnect with his mother in Lima. The film explores themes of human connection and the impact of political activism on personal relationships.
Laureano
Laureano, directed by Claudia Ccapatinta, is an intimate portrayal of an elderly Quechua speaker who must decide between staying in his village or relocating to the city after his mother’s death. The film captures the tension between tradition and modernity.
Water never hurt
Water Never Hurt, directed by Ana Clara Bustelo, tells the story of a nine-year-old girl who undergoes surgery without her consent after a horse-riding accident. The film challenges societal conceptions of childhood and advocates for children’s autonomy.
Will they ever come back?
Will They Ever Come Back?, directed by Ángela Carabalí, follows two sisters as they search for their father’s Indigenous lands in Colombia. The film is a powerful exploration of historical memory and the quest for justice.
A vibrant future for Latin American cinema
The 2024 Sanfic Industria Ibero-American WIP lineup showcases the rich diversity and creativity of Latin American filmmakers. From intimate personal stories to genre-bending narratives, these films offer a glimpse into the vibrant future of Latin American cinema. As the industry continues to recover and evolve, Sanfic Industria remains a crucial platform for emerging voices and innovative storytelling.
