Zoe Saldaña, Rooney Mara, Nava Mau and Mexico’s Oscar Submission ‘Sujo’ Among Stars and Films in GuadaLAjara Film Festival Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile who’s traveled the globe in search of the finest cinematic experiences, I can confidently say that the GuadaLAjara Film Festival (GLAFF) is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about movies. The 2024 edition promises a rich tapestry of talent and stories, with a lineup that’s as diverse as it is captivating.


The Guadalajara International Film Festival (GLAFF) is set to make a comeback in Los Angeles for its 14th installment, taking place from November 1-3, 2024. This year’s festival boasts an exciting mix of films and events showcasing a remarkable roster of stars such as Zoe Saldaña, Rooney Mara, Raúl Briones, Dylan O’Brien, and Nava Mau.

Kicking off the festival is “Sujo,” an emotionally impactful Spanish-language drama directed by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez, which has been chosen to represent Mexico in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars. This gripping movie portrays the turbulent life of a young man living amidst the relentless violence that plagues rural Mexico. “Sujo” is scheduled for a U.S. theater release in December, courtesy of indie distributor The Forge.

At GLAFF, some exceptional short films are set to be showcased, including “All the Words but the One,” helmed by and featuring Nava Mau, a recent Emmy nominee for her work in “Baby Reindeer.” Also included is “Dovecote,” produced by and starring Zoe Saldaña, whose performance in Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” has sparked talk of an Oscar win. Lastly, the festival will display “Ecstasy,” the first directorial venture of renowned cinematographer Carolina Costa, featuring Mabel Cadena and Natalia Solian.

Among the festival’s notable events are the showings of “La Cocina,” a movie helmed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and starring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones, as well as “Ponyboi,” an emotionally resonant drama by Esteban Arango, with River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien in the lead roles. Additionally, “Rent Free,” a humorous film directed by Fernando Andres that made its debut at Tribeca, will also be featured.

The festival’s finale will feature the debut of “La Liberación,” a highly anticipated series from Prime Video, directed by celebrated filmmaker Alejandra Marquez Abella. This series focuses on three women who work together to convince a young actress to withdraw sexual harassment accusations against a well-known director. Featuring Ilse Salas, Cassandra Ciangherotti, and Diego Boneta, the series provides a keen insight into the intricacies of the post-#MeToo era.

Partnering with Gloria Molina Grand Park, GLAFF is set to organize its renowned Día de los Muertos gala on November 2nd. This open-to-all event will unveil the world premiere of “Monstruo de Xibalba,” directed by Manuela Irene, along with the short film “The Mourning Of.” These screenings aim to celebrate Mexican cultural customs and encourage the community to ponder on themes connected to life and mortality.

At the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), we’ll be showcasing some outstanding movies, such as “La Arriera,” a film that won Best Director for Isabel Cristina Fregoso, and “Tratado de Invisibilidad,” helmed by Luciana Kaplan. Interestingly, this year’s lineup at GLAFF includes films from 57% female directors and 38% stories centered around LGBTQ+ themes.

Tickets for GLAFF 2024 are now on sale through the festival’s website.

Zoe Saldaña, Rooney Mara, Nava Mau and Mexico’s Oscar Submission ‘Sujo’ Among Stars and Films in GuadaLAjara Film Festival Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)

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2024-09-30 22:18