Santiago Lab Subsmissions Soar, Thanks to Central American, Colombia

The Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) has received a record number of applications this year for its fiction and documentary labs, with a staggering 98.39% increase from 32 countries. Out of 240 applications, 16 fiction projects and 15 documentaries were selected for the prestigious event.

Sanfic Industria director Gabriela Sandoval expressed her excitement about the diverse range of submissions received this year, particularly noting the high number of applications from Central America. The festival also saw many co-productions with Chile from countries like the U.S, Estonia, France, India, Lebanon, Norway, and the U.K.

The selected fiction projects showcase a mix of drama, comedy, and science fiction genres, with seasoned directors and producers bringing their international experience to the table. Among the standout projects is Colombia’s “Goodbye Father” from Jhonny Hendrix’s Antorcha Films, starring Marlon Moreno and Loren Sofia Paz.

Chile’s Infractor Films is supporting “Dysphoria,” Stjepan Ostoic’s third feature film, following his successful works in comedy and thriller genres. The film promises a unique storytelling experience with a focus on social issues and class divide.

Another highlight is the Sundance-backed LGBTQ+ coming-of-age drama “I Thought I Was Swimming,” featuring award-winning actress Ana Brun. The film explores themes of desire, aging, and identity through parallel love stories set in Punta del Este.

The list of fiction projects at Santiago Lab includes a diverse range of stories from different countries, such as Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. Each project brings a unique perspective on social issues, cultural heritage, and personal struggles, showcasing the rich tapestry of storytelling in Latin American cinema.

The festival also features documentary-film projects like “Metaphysical Atlas of a Country” from Chile, which blends fiction and documentary elements to explore the journey of a 19th-century naturalist through contemporary cinema.

With a lineup of compelling and thought-provoking projects, the Santiago International Film Festival is set to be a platform for innovative storytelling and diverse voices from the Latin American film industry. The selected films promise to captivate audiences with their unique narratives and visual storytelling techniques, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic world of Latin American cinema.