**GLAFF: Building Bridges and Stories**
In celebration of the ‘Day of the Dead’, a showcase of remarkable Mexican auteur films will light up the theaters and parks of Los Angeles from November 1-3. The 14th edition of the GuadaLAjara Film Festival will feature these cinematic treasures, providing a platform for filmmakers from both sides of the border. Proceeds from the event will be donated to United We Dream, the largest network led by immigrant youth in the country.
Among the featured films are “Sujo” by Astrid Rondero, “The Low End Theory” by Francisco Ordóñez, “La Arriera” by Isabel Cristina Fregoso, and “Tratado de invisibilidad” by Luciana Kaplan. These will be shown at prominent venues including the Million Dollar Theatre, Gloria Molina Grand Park, Milagro Cinemas, and Alamo Drafthouse. This year, the festival honors Colombian-American actress Diane Guerrero, known for her roles in “Jane The Virgin” and “Orange is the New Black,” with the Humanitarian Award for her advocacy work in immigration reform.
Festival Director Ximena Urrutia Partida highlighted that this edition of GLAFF aims to showcase glorious films while acting as a Work In Progress (WIP) platform. The festival will support six films—three from Latin America and three by Latino filmmakers in the United States—by offering what each project needs to complete, such as editing or sound correction. Additionally, in collaboration with the University of Guadalajara and its foundation, a $10,000 scholarship will be awarded for film completion.
Urrutia Partida emphasized GLAFF’s role as a critical meeting point for filmmakers on both sides of the border, building bridges and narratives. The festival will debut with “Sujo” by Astrid Rondero, converted from digital to 35 mm for its premiere at the historic Million Dollar Theatre.
A selection of films includes “La Cocina” by Alonso Ruizpalacios, a past feature at the Berlin Film Festival, “Pedro Páramo” by Rodrigo Prieto set to premiere on Netflix, “Poniboy” by Esteban Arango, and “Monstruo de Xibalba” by Manuela Irene. Screenings will occur at various venues, including Gloria Molina Grand Park, which will feature altars of the dead constructed by the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles.
The festival will also feature two episodes of “La Liberación” by Alejandra Márquez Abella and a presentation of “Pedro Páramo” by Ilse Salas. This year’s program curators, Cristián Dávila and Alfredo Achar, have ensured a compelling lineup including unique short films by emerging US filmmakers exploring modern concerns and narratives.
Alejandra Márquez Abella will lead a masterclass titled “From Film to Series: The Evolution of the Craft” on November 2 at the Azu California Center. She will discuss her transition from film to television series, the challenges faced, and the continued cultural connection that her work provides.
**Secondary Article: Impact of Streaming on Latin American Cinema**
As GLAFF delves into celebrating and promoting Latin American cinema, the significant role of streaming platforms in altering the cinematic landscape cannot go unnoticed. Streaming services have emerged as powerful catalysts in providing global audiences access to varied content, including Latin American films. Companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have expanded their libraries to include diverse stories from Latin-American directors, which have found new audiences worldwide.
The rise of streaming technology has democratized access for filmmakers and widened the horizons for Latin American stories to reach viewers outside their region. This shift necessitates a reconsideration of traditional distribution channels and highlights the growing importance of global exposure for regional content. As algorithms influence content visibility, festivals like GLAFF remain pivotal in championing unique narratives and preserving cultural storytelling amidst this digital transformation.