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Santiago International Film Festival: A celebration of Chilean cinema’s new wave
A milestone in Chilean cinema
The Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) is celebrating its 20th edition this year, marking a significant milestone in Chilean cinema. With 10 Chilean titles in competition, chosen from a record 40 submissions, this year’s festival promises to be a showcase of the country’s burgeoning film talent. Festival director Carlos Nuñez, who co-founded the event with Gabriela Sandoval, attributes the increase in submissions to the enthusiasm of young filmmakers eager to make their mark.
“We usually receive an annual average of 25 entries, of which we select eight to nine titles,” said Nuñez. “Most of the directors in our selection are young and only making their first or second films.”
The power of co-productions
Many of the films in this year’s lineup are powered by co-productions, a key lifeline for filmmakers. Countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Peru have collaborated with Chilean filmmakers, providing both financial support and creative input. This international cooperation has resulted in a diverse and rich selection of films.
The films in competition
Las Cenizas (Stjepan Ostoic Papic, Chile)
World premiere. Shot in black and white, this film follows Irene as she investigates her father’s sudden death in a nursing home, suspecting foul play. Ostoic Papic is known for his previous film, “Antofagasta, New York,” and the short “Ausencia.”
Watch the trailer
The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine (“La fabulosa máquina de cosechar oro”) (Alfredo Pourailly, Chile, Holland)
Pourailly’s debut documentary feature revolves around Toto, an artisanal gold miner in Tierra del Fuego, and his son Jorge, who builds a gold harvesting machine to secure their future.
Watch the trailer
Aullido de Invierno (Matias Rojas Valencia, Chile, Colombia, Argentina)
Latin American debut. This docu-fiction hybrid tells the story of Ingrid and Franz, survivors of Colonia Dignidad, as they seek to forget their past in Patagonia.
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No estoy en el mar (Luis Cifuentes Saravia, Chile, Mexico, Argentina)
World premiere. This film follows Josefina, a yoga instructor, as she moves to San Rosendo to uncover the fate of her father, whom she never met.
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Primera Persona (Daniel Peralta, Chile)
Latin American debut. This drama follows reclusive rock musician Julian Cabeza as he struggles with ego and fear of failure, straining his relationship with Aline.
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Through Rocks and Clouds (“Raíz”) (Franco García, Chile, Peru)
This film tells the story of eight-year-old Feliciano, who herds alpacas in the Andes and faces a mining company’s threats to his community.
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Sariri (Laura Donoso, Chile)
World premiere. In a desert mining town, Dina plans to escape to the city but can’t abandon her young sister Sariri, who is experiencing her first period.
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Una Luz Negra (Alberto Hayden, Chile)
World premiere. This supernatural drama centers on Jorge, who becomes obsessed when he learns he shares a name and resemblance with a deceased young man.
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Los Afectos (Diego Ayala, Aníbal Jofré, Chile, Ecuador)
World premiere. Set during the 2018 student demonstrations in Santiago, this film follows Benjamin, a high school dean, as he deals with his daughter’s attack by police forces.
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La Primera Dosis (Roberto Salinas Vergara, Chile)
World premiere. This documentary feature centers on Daniel, a cocaine addict, as he shares his story of addiction and crime in an area called “the bridge.”
Watch the trailer
Reflections on the future of Chilean cinema
As the Santiago International Film Festival celebrates its 20th edition, it is clear that Chilean cinema is experiencing a renaissance. The festival’s focus on young, emerging filmmakers and international co-productions highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry. With a diverse range of films in competition, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and storytelling.
The future of Chilean cinema looks bright, with new voices and perspectives emerging to tell stories that resonate both locally and globally. As we look forward to the next 20 years of Sanfic, one can only imagine the incredible films and filmmakers that will continue to shape the landscape of Chilean cinema.
