San Sebastian Unveils WIP Latam Lineup

San Sebastian Unveils WIP Latam Lineup

As a seasoned gamer of international cinema, who has traversed the continents in search of the most captivating narratives, I can hardly contain my excitement about this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival lineup! The Latin American selections, particularly the Work in Progress (WIP) Latam section, promise a kaleidoscope of stories that will undoubtedly enthrall and inspire.


The 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival has unveiled the Latin American films in its Work in Progress (WIP) Latam category. This year’s lineup, revealed on Wednesday, includes narratives from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Notably, four out of the six selected films are either directorial debuts or second films by these directors.

In the distinguished lineup is “The Message,” directed by the acclaimed Argentinian filmmaker Iván Fund. He’s back at San Sebastian following his triumph with “Dusk Stone” (2021). This movie, a road trip story set in rural Argentina, features Marcelo Subiotto. Last year, he received the Silver Shell for best lead performance at San Sebastian for his role in “Puan.”

As a cinephile who has attended numerous film festivals over the years, I am always eager to discover new and exciting films from emerging directors. This year, I am particularly excited about the lineup of the festival, which includes three films that have caught my attention: Daniel Hendler’s “A Loose End,” Nayra Ilic’s “Cuerpo Celeste,” and Paula Morel Kristof’s “Muña Muña.”

Completing our lineup are two debut feature directors: Simón Vélez from Colombia with his film, “Gemstones,” a captivating story about stealing gemstones, and Kim Torres from Costa Rica with “If We Don’t Burn, How Do We Light up the Night,” an eerie tale unfolding in a remote village.

The film section dedicated to Latin America at San Sebastian’s Work in Progress (WIP) platform has been a successful stepping stone for Latin American cinema, with past participants later showcasing their works at renowned festivals such as Berlin and Cannes. This year’s chosen films will battle it out for the WIP Latam Industry Award, offering post-production services and distribution in Spain, as well as the EGEDA Platino Industry Award, which comes with a cash prize of €30,000 ($33,000).

Through backing from the Ibermedia Programme and numerous industry collaborators, this project remains instrumental in boosting and refining Latin American cinematography on an international level.

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2024-08-07 14:54