Record Number of Films in Film Festival Mar del Plata

Buenos Aires.- The 29th edition of the Film Festival Mar del Plata, which will commemorate the 60th anniversary of this event, has registered a record of two 2112 productions until today, organizers reported. In total, 318 short and feature films from the USA are registered; 798 from Latin America; 832 from Europe; 126 coming from Asia; 25 from Oceania, and 13 others from Africa. On its website, the organizing committee also states that in the special celebration of this year more than one million 500 000 pesos will be distributed (over $ 163,000) as prizes.

This film event, sponsored by the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA, in Spanish), launched on March 8, 1954, when Argentina chose movies as a way to show itself to the world.

Their managers emphasize that the festival promotes the film industry in all its forms, as a mirror to display films from many sources, thematic diversity and styles. To give some hints about the future development of the festival, it was announced that among the visitors to this film festival, to be held from 22 to 30 November there will be a long list of prominent figures who will participate in the "Talks with Teachers".

Including the director Claire Denis, a symbol of French cinema, from whom a retrospective will be shown, and Paul Schrader, screenwriter of such films as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Last Temptation of Christ, as well as director of American Gigolo, Days of Rage and The Canyons. Also will share their experiences with the public both the Spanish director Carlos Vermouth, whose latest work Magical Girl, winner of the 62nd Film Festival San Sebastian will be displayed, and Nacho Vigalondo, who will present in Mar del Plata his last realization Open Windows.

The Peruvian director Francisco J. Lombardi recognized by the film adaptation of The City and the Dogs, and Pantaleón and the visitors, will take part of this Festival with the Argentine journalist and writer Osvaldo Bayer, among others.

Also, to commemorate the centenary of the First World War it is programmed to be screened The Big Parade, of King Vidor, one of the most moving anti-war movies ever filmed, which music was made by Carmen Baliero, organizers anticipated.

Source: PL