The 17th annual Latin American Film Festival (LAFF) screens at ANU’s Cambrian Theater August 4-31. The event is thought to be the hottest thing on the local Latin American social calendar this year.
Showcasing 15 films from the 15 Latin American countries that have diplomatic representation here in the capital, each film has been awarded prizes by international film critics.
The free event has something for lovers of all genres of film. Chile’s offer is Spidera political thriller set in the early 1970s where three members of an ultra-right group are determined to overthrow the democratic government.
If a classic rom-com is more your style, Panama plays with the idea of the dream wedding and the extreme lengths people go to for their perfect day in Something blue.
This year’s host country, Uruguay, presents a drama that tells the story of social contrasts and interclass ties in Employer and Employee, when an unexpected event strains the relationship between a boss and his employee. The film was screened at Cannes and has been praised for its audio-visual production.
One of LAFF’s goals is to draw interest to the Latin American region and break the misconception that all countries are the same with similar people, values and cultures. Uruguay’s ambassador to Australia, Dianela Pi, says the festival provides an opportunity for each country to show what makes them unique.
“I think people have some ideas about our countries and then they can see the developed, different landscapes and the mix of diversity and culture,” she says.
Each show begins with a promotional video from the venue as an invitation to visit.
The festival is grateful for the support they receive from ANU, which is home to the Australian National Center for Latin American Studies. However, they work with universities across the country to host shows.
After the festival wraps up in Canberra, it will hit the road and travel to some of Australia’s major cities. Mrs Pi says they have already closed in Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin, but are still working on Perth and Adelaide. Before the pandemic, the festival had started traveling to smaller cities such as Wollongong.
“We work in partnerships, especially with universities, but it has been difficult for universities because of Covid.”
Festival organizers are taking Covid protocols seriously; here in Canberra, attendees will be required to wear masks, as required by the ANU, and something Ms Pi says the festival is very supportive of.
With one movie showing a day, don’t worry about missing any of the movies on the schedule.
“I think everyone is completely different, it depends on what you like about movies. You really have all genres and all kinds of movies around. All are fairly new and all have been awarded. All quite exciting and a showcase of what we can do,” Ms Pi said.
To learn more, go to www.facebook.com/latinoembassiesaustralia
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