The Festival is around the Corner!

The 45^th edition of the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema will be held in Havana from December 5 to 15, consolidating itself as one of the most welcomed events in Cuban culture. Beyond its artistic implications, the Festival is a true popular celebration that brings together thousands of spectators, artists, critics and film professionals in a celebration of the creative talent of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since its creation in 1979, this event has been a crucial space for the visibility of the region's cinema, screening works that reflect the cultural richness and social complexity of our nations. Over decades, the Festival has served as a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their approaches on fundamental issues of our reality, echoing in audiences from all over the world.

One of the Festival's most outstanding values ​​is its ability to bring together an extraordinary diversity of aesthetics, styles, genres and themes. The films in competition address issues ranging from the rescue of historical memory to contemporary issues such as the environment, social conflicts and struggles for identity. This year, a selection is expected to explore the richness of Latin American narratives with visually bold proposals and deeply human narratives.

The history of the Festival is also a source of pride. Figures such as Alfredo Guevara, its founder, left an indelible legacy by turning Havana into an epicenter of Latin American cinema. Today, the new generations of organizers, critics and filmmakers keep that spirit alive, betting on an event that not only honors its history, but also looks to the future with optimism and critical vision.

A core aspect of this edition will be the prominence of young directors and their works, who contribute fresh and committed discourses. Their presence guarantees generational continuity and reaffirms that cinema is a powerful medium to interpret and transform our realities. Among its proposals, stories that address social struggles, new family configurations and the impact of technologies on our lives stand out.

Cinema, as a decolonizing art, finds in the Festival a space to challenge stereotypes and break with the hegemonic narratives that have dominated the global industry. Through these works, the voice of our people is vindicated, affirming the capacity of cinema to tell authentic, profound stories free of cultural impositions.

Holding this edition in such a complex economic context in Cuba is a sign of resilience and commitment to art. The Festival becomes a symbol of hope, reminding us that, even in the most difficult times, cinema and culture are powerful tools to resist, create and dream of a better future.

With its selection and the spirit that animates each of its days, the 45^th edition of the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema reaffirms its place as one of the most relevant cultural events on the continent and an essential event for fans of the Seventh Art.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff