by InTrieste
At the 39th edition of the Ibero-Latin American Film Festival, renowned filmmaker Costa-Gavras will be honored with the 2024 Allende Award. The prestigious recognition, celebrating its commitment to social and political filmmaking, will be presented during the festival’s Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 19, at the historic Teatro Miela.
Known for his work on films such as Z and Missing, which masterfully address social injustice and political turmoil, Costa-Gavras expressed deep emotion upon learning of the award. “I am profoundly moved and honored to receive such a memorable award,” he said in a statement, noting that the award evokes the memory of a “simple and exemplary man,” Salvador Allende, Chile’s democratically elected socialist president who was ousted and killed during the coup of 1973. “As it was then, so it is today. We must preserve a civilized world where there is room for political opponents.”
The Allende Award, named in honor of the late Chilean president, highlights the intersection of culture, art, and politics, and is given to individuals whose work speaks to the social struggles faced by the people of Latin America. The award is closely watched by the Salvador Allende Foundation in Santiago, Chile, which continues to safeguard Allende’s legacy. Marcela Ahumada, the foundation’s executive director, commended Costa-Gavras in a letter for his decades-long career that has given “visibility to the invisible” by shedding light on the injustices faced by marginalized communities in Latin America.
The festival, which has long championed films that explore Latin American culture and social issues, will showcase a wide range of films leading up to and following the ceremony. Highlights include a special tribute to Frida Kahlo, featuring five films dedicated to the iconic Mexican artist and revolutionary figure.
Frida Kahlo: The Legacy of an Icon
Among the festival’s most anticipated events is a focus on Frida Kahlo’s life and legacy, marking the 70th anniversary of her death. The retrospective includes Frida, Naturaleza Viva (1983), directed by Paul Leduc and starring Ofelia Medina. The film, to be screened following the awards ceremony, portrays Kahlo in the final days of her life, reflecting on key moments and influential figures, such as her husband Diego Rivera, and political icons Leon Trotsky and David Siqueiros.
Kahlo, a symbol of resistance, feminism, and cultural identity, is also the subject of a marathon of films in the festival’s Sala Birri, which will screen throughout the day on Saturday. These films explore the colorful, revolutionary Mexico of Kahlo’s era and include documentaries on her husband Diego Rivera and the Italian-born photographer and revolutionary Tina Modotti, whose path crossed with Kahlo’s in the politically charged circles of 20th-century Mexico.
A Day for Special Events
The festival’s lineup on Saturday also features screenings that spotlight significant figures from across Latin American history. A Brazilian film, Uma Gôndola para Nova Veneza by Joana Nin, will show how the gift of a gondola has preserved the emotional ties between Italy and Brazilian immigrants in a small town. Another special screening is Nise – The Heart of Madness, a film honoring the centenary of Franco Basaglia, the Italian psychiatrist and pioneer of democratic psychiatry. Directed by Roberto Berliner, the film stars Glória Pires as Nise da Silveira, a Brazilian psychiatrist who fought against cruel treatments like electroshock and lobotomy, opting instead for a revolutionary approach combining love, art, and inspiration.
The festival’s strong emphasis on Latin American culture, history, and politics continues to resonate in its diverse offerings, with a focus on both emerging voices and well-established filmmakers.
A Tradition of Excellence
Since its inception, the Ibero-Latin American Film Festival has stood as a cultural bridge, celebrating the cinematic arts of Latin America while fostering dialogue on pressing social issues. Its collaboration with institutions such as the Salvador Allende Foundation has further cemented its role as a platform for activism through art.
This year’s decision to honor Costa-Gavras underscores the festival’s commitment to recognizing filmmakers who use their platform to advocate for social change, in the same spirit as Salvador Allende’s enduring legacy. The festival, which runs through the weekend, offers a rich selection of films, talks, and panels that showcase the cultural and political pulse of Latin America today.
For more information on tickets and the full program, visit the festival’s official website.
