São Paulo Latin American Film Festival turns spotlight on female directors

The 11th edition of the São Paulo Latin American Film Festival highlights the growing presence of women behind the region's film production and pays tribute to São Paulo filmmaker Anna Muylaert, who directed the recent hit film The Second Mother. A total 23 titles by director-screenwriter Muylaert will be screened at the festival, including early, less-known productions.

Until July 27, 118 films from 13 countries will be shown at Latin America Memorial in São Paulo. In addition to the screenings, the festival includes meetings and debates with the audience. Besides celebrating women's productions, João Batista de Andrade, the festival curator and creator, said that the purpose of the event is to open the door to what's new in the sector. “There's a big Mexican film exhibition, a large contemporary Latin American film exhibition, and a special one turning the spotlight on the women behind the cameras,” he said.

Andrade believes that the São Paulo Latin American Film Festival, which was first held in 2006, has paved the way for new talent. “I think the festival has shown young filmmakers that there's a place for them. Of course [well-established] filmmakers are still important, but we should also welcome fresh ideas, give younger generations a chance to show new perspectives,” he said.

One special exhibit at the festival is “Women Behind the Cameras,” which will feature recent productions (2014 and 2015) by the new generation of female Mexican filmmakers, including such names as Alejandra Márquez Abella, and Teresa Camou. In 2015, according to festival organizers, one-quarter of the total Mexican feature film productions were directed by women.

Translated by Mayra Borges