Gibara Low-Budget Film Festival Embraces Global Diversity

The 20th edition of the Gibara International Low-Budget Film Festival, from July 14th to 18^th. It will bring together films from nearly 20 countries, spanning from Central Asia to the Caribbean. With the addition of Kyrgyzstan’s cinema to the competition.

Poster for the 20th Gibara Low-Budget Film Festival. Rafael Grillo, a member of the Organizing Committee, confirmed exclusively to CNA. This geographical diversity, which includes films from Iran, India, Palestine, Morocco, Curaçao, European nations, and a broad Latin American representation. It reaffirms the alternative and universal spirit of the event.

The premiere of the film Mergen, by Chingiz Narinov, winner of the Bishkek International Film Festival. So it will mark a milestone in the history of the competition, he stated.

In the feature film section, highlights include the Iranian film Rainbow Stories by Saleh Alavizadeh, which addresses violence against children. The Indian film Feminist Fatima by Fasil Muhammed, highly praised at festivals; the Moroccan film Casablanca/Dakar by Ahmed Boulane. As well as entries from Mexico with The Call by Pablo A. Tonatiuh and A Roof Without a Sky by Diego Hernández, and from Venezuela with Thorn by Daniel Poler.

In the short film section, there are works from Palestine (Zhara by Hadi Shatat), Iran (Colored Window by Mohammad Hormozi). The Caribbean island of Curaçao (On the Eve by Elizabeth Francisco), and Honduras (Bucket by Joan Barahona). Along with pieces from Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and a strong presence of filmmakers from the island.

Grillo highlighted that the feature-length documentary category will include the British film Independent Candidate, by Teilo Vellacott. The French film Wandering, by Benoit Maestre; the Brazilian film When Girls Grow Up, by Neli Mombelli. And the Spanish film Lorca in Havana, by José Antonio Torres and Antonio Manuel, alongside national productions.

In the short documentary format, the director mentioned works from Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. As well as perspectives on Cuba through foreign filmmakers. Such as the American Charles Abelmann (Nommal) and the Argentinian Mauricio Centurión (The Most Wonderful Thing).

The organizer noted that the Animation section will include several entries from Brazil, the country leading the continent in this category with four works in competition. Along with animated films from Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Spain.

With information from CNA