The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, and this year’s lineup of films is not to be missed.
Known as the world’s most prestigious film gathering, Cannes is a major forum for actors, directors, screenwriters, producers, and composers from around the globe. The festival showcases new films of all genres, including documentaries, and is most renowned for the Palme d’Or, the top award given to a competing film.
This year, Latin American cinema takes the spotlight with films from Mexico and Brazil competing for the Palme d’Or and the Short Film category. Special screenings will also highlight captivating stories from the region and celebrate classic films.
Check out the full list below.
Official Competition
Motel Destino
One of two Latin American films vying for the Palme d’Or is the Brazilian erotic thriller “Motel Destino” by director Karim Aïnouz. Written by Wislan Esmeraldo and Mauricio Zacharias, this film offers an intimate portrayal of a youth ensnared by a toxic and oppressive elite, where rebellion and violence appear to be the only pathways to freedom.
Emilia Pérez
Another standout in the official competition is the French-Mexican musical crime comedy “Emilia Pérez,” written and directed by Jacques Audiard and co-produced by Pimienta Films, known for “Roma.” With an outstanding cast including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Édgar Ramírez, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón, the film tells the story of a woman aiding an escaped Mexican cartel leader who goes through sex reassignment surgery to evade authorities.
Short Film Competition
Amarela (Yellow)
The Brazilian short film “Yellow / Amarela” by Andre Hayato Saito is the sole Latin American entry in the Short Film competition. It focuses on a Japanese-Brazilian teenager who, on the day of the World Cup final between Brazil and France, defies her family traditions, faces unseen violence, and plunges into a painful sea of emotions.
Out of Competition
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
The highly anticipated sequel to the iconic “Mad Max” series stars British-Argentine actress Anya Taylor-Joy. Set for release on May 24th, it follows young Furiosa, who is snatched from her home by a biker horde and caught in a feud between two tyrants, fighting her way back home.
Special Screenings
Ernest Cole, Lost and Found
The world premiere of the documentary “Ernest Cole, Lost and Found” by Haitian director Raoul Peck will be featured in the Special Screenings section. This poignant film, starring Oscar-nominated actor LaKeith Stanfield as Ernest Cole, recounts the life of Cole, the first Black freelance photographer in South Africa, whose early work revealed the harsh realities of apartheid.
Lula
Also featured in the Special Screenings sidebar includes “Lula” by Oliver Stone and Rob Wilson. This documentary provides an in-depth look at Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva, detailing his ascent, downfall, and victorious return to the Brazilian presidency in 2022 following nineteen months of imprisonment.
Cinéma de la Plage Premiers
TRANSMITZVAH
Directed by renowned Argentine filmmaker Daniel Burman, “TRANSMITZVAH” is a comedy with musical elements that follows two siblings, Eduardo and MUMY, as they navigate their journey to adulthood within the Jewish community. The film explores their efforts to assert their own identities and break from tradition.
Nueve Reinas (Nine Queens)
Considered an Argentine classic, the 2000 heist film “Nine Queens” by Fabian Belinsky follows con artists Marcos and Juan as they team up to sell counterfeit rare stamps to a wealthy foreign collector.
Cannes Classics
Bye Bye Brasil
The Cannes Classics section will honor Brazilian producer Lucy Barreto by screening the 1978 comedy road movie “Bye Bye Brasil” by Carlos Diegues. This film chronicles the adventures of a small traveling circus as it roams the countryside.
Rosaura a las diez (Rosaura at 10 O’Clock)
Cannes Classics will also pay tribute to the 1958 Argentine mystery drama “Rosaura at 10 O’Clock” by Mario Soffici. The film narrates the tale of a timid elderly painter who starts receiving love letters from a woman named Rosaura, captivating the curiosity of his fellow boarding house residents until the enigmatic Rosaura eventually makes an appearance.
The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14th through the 25th.
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