As a film enthusiast and someone who appreciates the fusion of culture, history, and modern technology, I am genuinely thrilled by the awards that these exceptional projects have received. The innovative blend of these elements, particularly in regions often overlooked, is not only captivating but also enlightening.
In Locarno, Switzerland, the prestigious Locarno Open Doors award was shared this year among five promising filmmakers: Eami (Paz Encina from Paraguay), Enrique Bautista from El Salvador, Rosa María Rodríguez Pupo from Cuba, and Fernando Mendoza from Peru. The duo, Encina and Bautista, received the majority of a CHF50,000 ($58,000) cash prize.
The grant, funded by Visions Sud Est and the City of Bellinzona, was awarded to four winners: Encina’s “The Unique Time,” Bautista’s “Salvation,” Rodriguez’s “Her Lightness” and Mendoza’s “The Return of the Last Mochica Warrior.” These winning pieces were officially unveiled on Tuesday at the Swiss Festival, marking the culmination of Open Doors’ three-year emphasis on lesser-known markets in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The primary collaborator of Open Doors, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), revealed on Monday that their co-production and talent nurturing initiative will shift its attention towards underserved communities across Africa for the upcoming four years.
Some winners of Open Doors 2024 demonstrate the growing trend of blending genres with social issues in Latin American cinema. For instance, El Salvador’s “Salvation,” which also earned a BR Lab Award, is described as a thriller with elements reminiscent of found-footage horror. The story revolves around a hospital nurse who discovers that an elderly dying patient is the same man who raped her during El Salvador’s Civil War. Rob Mendoza labels “Return” as the first Peruvian film based on gaming. Additionally, UFOs in the Tropics, which won a CNC development grant and Moulin d’Andé-CECI Award, is categorized as Ecuadorian queer science fiction.
The legacy of the past weighs through the winners. A triple winner, also collecting ArteKino International and Sørfond awards, “The Unique Time,” for example, pictures a family – Lorenza (70), Pedro (73) and their children – settled in Argentina, just across the river from Paraguay, awaiting news of Paraguay and Máximo, their youngest son, 22 when he disappeared.
Rodriguez’s “Her Lightness” portrays Nora, a woman with terminal cancer who is fighting against outdated patriarchal norms as she makes the decision about how she will face death, since she couldn’t manage her life’s course.
“In ‘Return’, Mendoza notes a fusion of traditional ancestral narratives and video game motifs. The protagonist, a gamer, resorts to burglarizing ancient tombs for funds needed to play in internet cafes. Eventually, he encounters the spirit of an old Peruvian warrior.”
In the TV series “Salvation,” the character portrayed as a nurse is caught in a dual existence, straddling the present and the past, due to her traumatic experiences. This enables Bautista to move seamlessly between these two different time frames.
Without a doubt, I’m consistently astounded by how my favorite directors manage to transform heartfelt emotions into deeply intimate yet universally relatable dramas. It’s truly remarkable!
“This intimate project is a love letter to my homeland’s unacknowledged pain,” says Bautista.
Encina shares that her experiences growing up as a Paraguayan woman during a dictatorship, under a father who was an opposition member, resulting in his imprisonment, exile, and surveillance for many years, have left profound impacts on her life, as she relayed to EbMaster.
In a candid movie review, I find myself compelled to delve into “Her Lightness,” a deeply personal narrative that illuminates my family’s genetic history, the women in my life, and those who have moved on before their time. This film is a poignant exploration of imperfection, genetically inherited illnesses, the right to choose our own endings, and the indelible marks we carry. As Rodríguez himself puts it, this is his story, etched in the tapestry of our shared humanity.
“Write what you know,” the saying goes. It might be better to say: “Write what you feel.”
Moving forward, the Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival is set to grant Luis Flores Alvarenga a residency at the renowned Tabakalera development program. This recognition comes as he showcases his film “The Lost Boys,” which follows the story of three indigenous children from the Garifuna, Lenca, and Tolupán groups who bond at an orphanage, in the Open Doors segment of the festival.
Yamila Morrero, a prominent figure in Cuban documentary production (known for “Azul Pandora,” “El Proyecto,” and “Villa Rosa”), was honored with a Rotterdam Lab Award.
The winner of the significant OIF-ACP-EU Award was “A Farewell to Lola,” from the Dominican Republic’s Ivan De Lara, a friendship tale between a jaded trumpet professor and his successful and privileged musician friend “deconstructing the idea of success,” says Lara.
Open Doors Africa, 2025-28
The forthcoming emphasis by Open Doors on Africa is an intriguing development. Notably, the Marrakech Atlas Workshops, rated among the best global development and co-production platforms last year, were significantly fueled by talent from North African (Maghreb) and Sub-Saharan countries. Open Doors has the potential to inject fresh energy into Africa’s burgeoning cinema scene, which often carries profound artistic aspirations and poignant political messages.
“Patrizia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, stated at Piazza Grande in Locarno on Monday evening that arts and culture play a crucial role in driving social transformation, fostering creativity, and promoting unity and peace within society. She emphasized their essential role in societal advancement.”
“Zsuzsi Bánkuti, the leader of Open Doors, stated that this shift we’re making isn’t merely a matter of redirecting our attention, but rather it involves broadening the scope and scale of our endeavors,” translates to: “Zsuzsi Bánkuti, head of Open Doors, explained that this change is not only about refocusing our efforts, but also about increasing our work.”
“She expressed our intention to nurture robust partnerships linking Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. We aim to maintain existing connections while establishing new ones, strengthened by this year’s emphasis on collaborative initiatives. Our goal is to construct a dynamic and prosperous network that fosters growth in all participating regions.”
Locarno Open Doors Winners 2024
Open Doors Grant
The sum of CHF 50,000 ($54,500) was sponsored in total, with backing from Visions Sud Est, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the City of Bellinzona, and Open Doors.
“Salvation,” (Ernesto Bautista, El Salvador, Mexico)
A CHF20,000 ($23,200) grant
Lead produced by Melissa Guevara (Burn and Die Films)
Jury’s Comment: “This proposal presents less noticed post-war procedures in an exceptionally artistic manner, utilizing a narrative structure that isn’t linear, and offers a fresh perspective on genre through its poetic and personal viewpoint.”
“The Unique Time,” (Paz Encina, Paraguay, Mexico, Germany)
A CHF20,000 ($23,200) grant
Produced by Gabriela Sabaté (Sabaté Films) and Julio Chavezmontes (Piano)
In recognition of an exceptionally compelling project, a director who articulates their vision powerfully and passionately, and a film that sensitively addresses the complexities of exile and yearning for the reappearance of the lost, we are pleased to present an award.
“Her Lightness,” (Rosa María Rodriguez, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia)
A CHF 5,000 ($5,800) grant
As a collaborator, I’m proud to contribute to the creation of this project, which is masterfully produced by Armando Capó Ramos (GatoRosafilms), Martha Orozco (Martfilms), and Cristina Gallego (Ciudad Lunar). Their collective vision and dedication are truly inspiring.
Film Description: “This movie explores the delicate, personal aspect of making choices between life and death, seen through a female perspective, in an unvarnished, authentic manner.”
“The Return of the Last Mochica Warrior,” (Fernando Mendoza, Peru)
A CHF 5,000 ($5,800) grant
Jury’s Verdict: “The jury was captivated by this movie’s unique fusion of cultural legacy, historical context, and contemporary video gaming, which takes place in a typically underrepresented area within the nation.”
CNC Development Grant
“UFOs in the Tropics,” (Rob Mendoza, Ecuador)
€ 8,000 ($9,505) for development provided by France’s CNC state film agency
Produced by Isabel Carrasco at Ecuador’s Cinema Verano
ArteKino International Award
Six thousand euros (approximately $6,540 USD) is being offered for development by the online ArteKino Festival, which is supported by Arte France Cinema.
“The Unique Time”
PARTNER AWARDS
Sørfond Award
Attending the Sørfond pitching event in November, which covers expenses like travel and lodging, for a project that’s eligible for funding from this grant program run by the Norwegian Film Institute, focused on supporting film productions from underrepresented nations.
“The Unique Time”
Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award
Participating in the cultural events at Tabakalera in San Sebastian, which includes involvement in the San Sebastian Film Festival activities, jointly organized by the International Cultural Center Tabakalera and the San Sebastian Festival.
Luis Flores Alvarenga, Honduras, a participant at Open Doors Producers Lab
Open Doors BR Lab Award
Attending the Project Development Workshop at BR Lab in São Paulo this October, where travel and lodging expenses will be taken care of by BR Lab.
“Salvation”
Open Doors Moulin d’Andé-CECI Award
A cultural center located in Normandy, Moulin d’Andé, along with its partners CECI (an international organization promoting sustainable and inclusive development) and the Locarno Film Festival, is offering a writing residency to a director working on their first or second feature film project. The selected candidate will receive free accommodation, as well as some assistance with travel expenses.
Rob Mendoza, (“UFOs in the Tropics,”Ecuador)
Rotterdam Lab Award
At the upcoming Rotterdam Film Festival Lab, you’ll have your lodging provided by the event itself, and the Locarno Film Festival will help with some of your travel expenses.
Yamila Marrero, Crisálida Producciones, Cuba
Open Doors World Cinema Fund Audience Strategy Award
As a movie enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique films from around the globe. That’s why I’m thrilled about the Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund. This special program is designed with me in mind, focusing closely on the creation of an effective audience engagement strategy for these extraordinary movies. It’s like having a backstage pass to some of the most captivating stories from diverse cultures!
“The Return of the Last Mochica Warrior”
Open Doors OIF-ACP-EU Award
I’ve been offered an exciting opportunity to work as a consultant for up to 18 months! My role will involve analyzing scripts and treatments, editing and refining the film documentation according to the unique requirements of the winning project. This fantastic opportunity is being provided by the Francophonie International Organization (OIF), specifically designed for French-speaking individuals like myself. I can’t wait to get started!
“A Farewell to Lola,” ( Ivan De Lara, Dominican Republic)
Read More
- Finding Resources in Palworld: Tips from the Community
- The Last Epoch Dilemma: Confronting the Gold Dupe Crisis
- UFO PREDICTION. UFO cryptocurrency
- O3 PREDICTION. O3 cryptocurrency
- OKB PREDICTION. OKB cryptocurrency
- BONE PREDICTION. BONE cryptocurrency
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- EUR INR PREDICTION
- DF PREDICTION. DF cryptocurrency
- Last Epoch: Why Keystroke Registration Issues Are Frustrating Players
2024-08-13 12:49