Argentinian director Paula Hernández’s film “El viento que arrasa” (A Ravaging Wind) has been chosen as the opening film for the “Horizontes Latinos” section at the 71st edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival. This segment of the festival showcases feature films from Latin America that have not yet been released in Spain. The films are either directed by Latino filmmakers or have Latino communities as their backdrop or subject. A total of 12 films will be presented this year, set in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil.
One of the highlights of the “Horizontes Latinos” section is the “Premio Horizontes,” which awards 35,000 euros ($38,615) to the director of the winning film and ensures its distribution in Spain. The festival also presents the TCM Youth Award, decided by a jury of 150 students, to films that are the first or second works of their directors.
Among the contenders for this year’s edition is “El Castillo” by Argentine director Martín Benchimol, which won a prize at the Latin American Work In Progress initiative at last year’s San Sebastian Film Festival. Also in contention is “Estranho Caminho” by Brazilian filmmaker Guto Parente and “Alemania” by Argentinian director María Zanetti, both of which were awarded at the festival’s Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum.
The closing film of the section will be “Pedágio” (Toll) by Carolina Markowicz, a Brazilian-Portuguese production. The film follows a highway toll worker who is desperate to change his son’s sexual orientation. It is a testament to San Sebastian’s long-standing commitment to promoting Latin American cinema.
Other notable films in the lineup include “Blondi” by Argentinian director Dolores Fonzi, “Clara se pierde en el bosque” (Clara Gets Lost in the Woods) by Camila Fabbri, and “El eco” (The Echo) by Tatiana Huezo. These films explore a range of themes, from coming-of-age stories to psychological dramas.
The “Horizontes Latinos” section at the San Sebastian Film Festival continues to be a platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse cinema of Latin America. With its selection of films from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil, the section offers audiences a glimpse into the rich culture and storytelling traditions of the region.
As the festival approaches, anticipation is building for the screening of these exciting films and the announcement of the winners of the “Premio Horizontes” and TCM Youth Award. The 71st edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival promises to be a celebration of Latin American cinema and a testament to the talent and creativity of its filmmakers.
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