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GuadaLAjara Film Festival returns to Los Angeles with a star-studded lineup
The GuadaLAjara Film Festival (GLAFF) is set to make a grand return to Los Angeles for its 14th edition, running from November 1-3, 2024. This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of films and events, featuring a stellar lineup of talent including Zoe Saldaña, Rooney Mara, Raúl Briones, Dylan O’Brien, and Nava Mau.
Opening night: A powerful start with ”Sujo”
The festival will kick off with the Spanish-language drama Sujo, directed by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez. Selected as Mexico’s official submission for the Oscars’ best international feature category, “Sujo” explores the life of a young man growing up amid the violence that shadows rural Mexico. The film is set for a U.S. theatrical release in December by indie distributor The Forge.
Short films: A showcase of emerging talent
GLAFF’s short film selections are set to impress, featuring standout projects such as “All the Words but the One”, directed and starring recent Emmy nominee Nava Mau (“Baby Reindeer”), and “Dovecote”, produced by and starring Zoe Saldaña, who is generating Oscar buzz for her role in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez. The festival will also feature “Ecstasy”, the directorial debut of celebrated cinematographer Carolina Costa, starring Mabel Cadena and Natalia Solian.
Feature films: A diverse array of stories
Among the festival highlights are screenings of La Cocina, directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and starring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones, and Ponyboi, a queer drama by Esteban Arango featuring River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien. Additionally, Rent Free, a comedy that premiered at Tribeca and directed by Fernando Andres, will also be showcased.
Closing night: A thought-provoking series premiere
The festival will conclude with the premiere of Prime Video’s highly anticipated series La Liberación, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alejandra Marquez Abella. The series follows three women who band together to persuade a young actress to drop a sexual harassment allegation against a prominent director. Starring Ilse Salas, Cassandra Ciangherotti, and Diego Boneta, the series offers a sharp reflection on the complexities of the post-#MeToo world.
Día de los Muertos gala: Celebrating culture and tradition
In collaboration with Gloria Molina Grand Park, GLAFF will host its signature Día de los Muertos gala on November 2. This free public event will feature the world premiere of “Monstruo de Xibalba”, directed by Manuela Irene, and the short film “The Mourning Of”. The screenings will honor Mexican cultural traditions and invite the community to reflect on themes of life and death.
Spotlight on FICG: Celebrating international cinema
GLAFF will also spotlight films from the Festival Internacional de Cine en Guadalajara (FICG), including “La Arriera”, which earned Isabel Cristina Fregoso a Best Director award, and “Tratado de Invisibilidad”, directed by Luciana Kaplan. Notably, 57% of the films at this year’s GLAFF are directed by women and 38% feature LGBTQ+ narratives, showcasing a commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling.
Get your tickets now
Tickets for GLAFF 2024 are now on sale through the festival’s website. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant celebration of cinema.
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