Cine Las Americas, the leading Latin American film festival in the southern United States, featured more than 30 South American films for its 13th annual fest in Austin, Texas.
Among these Latino films were three from Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile that created buzz during the festival or received awards for their strong narratives — Mal Día Para Pescar, El Regalo, and Amorosa Soledad.
The strong presence of South American films in this Latin American film festival comes a year after Cine Las Americas featured films from guest country, Chile. Nine feature-length films from Chile's post-dictatorship era were screened in 2009 as well as 10 from neighboring country, Argentina.
Here's a glimpse at three must-see South American films from the 2010 Cine Las Americas Film Fest.
Mal Día Para Pescar (Bad Day To Go Fishing)
Uruguay/Spain 2009
Directed by Alvaro Brechner
Once the strongest man on earth, Jacob van Oppen must now find ways to continue wrestling despite his increasing age and declining fame. Jacob and his conniving manager "The Prince" Orsini hustle in South American villages putting together wrestling exhibitions. But has Jacob finally met his match in the fishing town of Santa Maríam? Orsini hatches a plan that must convince suspicious townspeople.
Highly entertaining and brilliantly done, this film has twists, turns, and good storytelling techniques. It's no wonder that Mal Día Para Pescar was an official selection in the 48th Cannes International Critic's Week 2009. It also snatched up the both the Jury Award and Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at Cine Las Americas 2010.
Even more impressive is that Mal Día Para Pescar is director Alvaro Brechner's first feature-length film.
Amorosa Soledad (Lovely Loneliness)
Argentina 2008
Directed by Martin Carranza and Victoria Galardi
Amorosa Soledad follows the life of a heartbroken hypochrondriac, Soledad, who was just dumped by her boyfriend. She vows to stay away from relationships, but life has other plans for her. She must muster up the courage to make some crucial decisions in her love life. Ines Efron stars in this slow, but charming romantic comedy.
Amorosa Soledad is the first feature-length film for both directors. This Argentine movie kicked off the Opening Night of the 2010 Cine Las Americas Film Festival.
El Regalo (The Gift)
Chile 2008
Directed by Christián Galaz and Andrea Ugalde
When Francisco, a retired widowee, reaches a low point in his life, his friends decide that he needs to travel. They secretly book a senior vacation getaway and invite his former teenage crush. Things don't work out like his two friends expect.
El Regalo surpasses the typical romantic comedy with its amusing characters and witty writing. This Chilean film broke box office records when it was released. El Regalo is the second feature film for Christián Galaz who directed the highly successful Chilean film, El Chacotero Sentimental.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
