Speaking to the ACN news agency, organizing committee member Rafael Grillo explained that this geographic diversity—including titles from Iran, India, Palestine, Morocco, Curacao, Europe and a strong Latin American contingent—”reaffirms the event’s alternative and universal spirit.”

The premiere of the film *Mergen* by Chinguiz Narinov—winner at the Bishkek International Film Festival—will mark a milestone in the competition’s history. Other notable films include the Iranian *Rainbow Stories*, which addresses violence against children, and the Indian film *Feminist Fatima*, which has garnered high praise at festivals.

Films from Morocco and Venezuela will also be featured, alongside entries from Mexico—also participating in the fiction short film category together with Palestine, Curacao, Honduras, Argentina, and Spain, as well as a significant presence of Cuban filmmakers.

In the feature film category, works from Great Britain, France, Spain, and Brazil stand out and will compete for awards alongside domestic productions.

The documentary short film format will showcase works from Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, as well as perspectives on Cuba by foreign filmmakers such as American Charles Abelmann (*Nommal*) and Argentine Mauricio Centurion (*Lo mas maravilloso*).

The animation section will feature entries from Brazil—the leading country in the region for this genre—with four works in competition, alongside animated films from Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Spain.

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