The Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for filmmakers across the globe. This year, the Sanfic Santiago Lab witnessed a record-shattering increase of 98.39% in submissions, with entries from 32 diverse countries. Out of the 240 total applications, 16 fiction projects and 15 documentaries were selected, reflecting the event’s growing influence in the global indie film industry.
A Crossroads of Global Talent
According to Gabriela Sandoval, Director of Sanfic Industria, this year’s submissions showcased an unprecedented geographical diversity. “Unlike previous years, we received a large number of submissions from Central America, as well as numerous co-productions involving countries such as the U.S., Estonia, France, India, Lebanon, Norway, and the U.K.,” Sandoval remarked. Such international collaboration underscores Sanfic’s standing as a vital hub for industry professionals looking to build connections and launch innovative projects.
Spotlight on Selected Projects
Among the standout fiction projects is Colombia’s “Goodbye Father”, produced by Antorcha Films, known for acclaimed works such as “Candelaria”. The Chilean entry “Dysphoria”, with Infractor Films at the helm, explores themes of addiction, privilege, and societal divides in a windswept port city. Another compelling project is
“I Thought I Was Swimming,” a coming-of-age LGBTQ+ drama starring Ana Brun, the first Paraguayan actress to win a Berlinale Silver Bear.
From Peru comes “Latitudes,” a trailblazing film centered on the life of a young rapper reconnecting with his cultural roots. Meanwhile, Chilean filmmaker Nina Guzmán’s “Ecstasy” explores the intersection of identity and the self-help industry with a dark comedic twist. These diverse narratives provide a window into the creative innovation that defines modern indie cinema.
A Stage for Cinematic Vision
Sanfic Santiago Lab continues to be a key stepping stone for filmmakers at different stages of their careers. Several projects have already garnered significant international attention, receiving backing from initiatives like Sundance Labs and Ibermedia. The lab serves as an essential platform where cinematic storytelling meets industry expertise, enabling creative visions to evolve into tangible films.
Why This Matters
The growing appeal of festivals like Sanfic goes hand-in-hand with the rising demand for global indie cinema. As more filmmakers highlight important social issues through innovative storytelling, platforms like this lab become indispensable in creating opportunities to amplify diverse voices. For industry professionals and enthusiasts, keeping track of events like Sanfic offers insight into the changing dynamics of filmmaking in a global context.
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