Venice Film Festival goes Latin with Jenna Ortega, Cuarón, Almodóvar and more stars

The 81st Venice Film Festival is putting the spotlight on Latino and Spanish directors, filmmakers and actors, showcasing a diverse lineup that shows the depth and range of Latin American and Spanish cinema. Among the notable figures attending this year's edition are Jenna Ortega, Alfonso Cuarón, and Pedro Almodóvar, each bringing their unique style and storytelling prowess to the forefront.

The festival began with the screening of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" by Tim Burton, maintaining the distinctive programming approach that sets it apart from other major European festivals. Unlike its counterparts, Venice has embraced a more inclusive attitude towards streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, showing fewer reservations than Cannes and offering more visibility to series than even the Berlin Film Festival. Additionally, Venice has demonstrated a particular interest in Latin American cinema, which is often underrepresented in the main competition sections at other

Latino and Spanish Stars Shine in Venice

Jenna Ortega stole the show during the activities aimed at showing and promoting "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice". The Latina star continues her rise as a leading actress, representing Hollywood's new generation of Latino talent. Ortega is expected to grace the Venice red carpet, adding her star power to the festival's glamour.

Acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar is also returning to Venice with his latest film, "The Room Next Door." Known for his vibrant storytelling and complex characters, Almodóvar's new film is a strong contender for the Golden Lion, Venice's top prize. This marks a significant moment for Almodóvar, as he continues to be a pivotal figure in bringing Spanish cinema to international audiences.

Alfonso Cuarón, on his end, presented his new Apple TV+ series, "Disclaimer," starring Cate Blanchett. This seven-part psychological thriller marks Cuarón's first foray into television, yet he approached it with the cinematic style for which he is renowned. The series, based on Renée Knight's 2015 novel of the same name, centers on Catherine Ravenscroft (played by Blanchett), a journalist who discovers she is the subject of a novel that reveals her darkest secrets. The narrative explores themes of truth, public shaming, and the complexities of the media in the 21st century.

Cuarón, who is known for his films like "Gravity" and "Roma," admitted during a press conference that he initially saw the story as a feature film but later decided on a longer format inspired by the works of filmmakers like David Lynch and Krzysztof Kieślowski. He expressed his excitement about working with Blanchett, his first choice for the lead role, and she suggested Kevin Kline for another key role. The series also features Sacha Baron Cohen and Kodi Smit-McPhee in significant roles.

The first four episodes of "Disclaimer" premiered in Venice, receiving a standing ovation for its gripping portrayal of a character navigating the consequences of past secrets being exposed. The final three episodes are set to screen later during the festival, and the show will begin streaming on October 11, 2024​.

At the 2024 Venice Film Festival, Chilean director Pablo Larraín premiered his latest film, a biopic titled "Maria," starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Known for his nuanced storytelling and exploration of historical figures, Larraín brings a unique perspective to the life of Callas, capturing her tumultuous career and personal struggles.

Jolie's portrayal has been described as both powerful and deeply emotional, earning her praise for embodying the legendary diva's complexities. The film delves into the final days of Callas's life, providing a poignant look at her enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on the world of opera.

A Rich Lineup of Films and Filmmakers

Latin American, and particularly Argentine cinema has always been a strong presence at festivals worldwide. This year, the Official Competition includes "El jockey" by Luis Ortega, a notable addition to the lineup. Ortega, a prolific director known for films like "Caja Negra," "Monobloc," "Los santos sucios," "Verano maldito," and the acclaimed 2018 film "El ángel," brings together a stellar cast for this new project. The film features some of the best contemporary actors, including Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Spanish actress Úrsula Corberó (known for "La Casa de Papel"), Mexican actor Daniel Giménez Cacho ("Zama"), and Chilean actress Mariana Di Girolamo (star of Pablo Larraín's "Ema").

"El jockey" is a co-production between Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and Denmark and is supported by notable producers like Axel Kuschevatzky and Cindy Teperman (Infinity Hill), along with Benicio del Toro and Rei Pictures. The film, which is set to be released in Argentine cinemas in September, also features prominent local talents such as Daniel Fanego, Osmar Núñez, Roberto Carnaghi, Luis Ziembrowski, Jorge Prado, Roly Serrano, and Adriana Aguirre. This diversity in casting and production underscores the film's broad international appeal and the growing global interest in Latin American cinema.

Celebrating Diversity and Creativity

This year's Venice Film Festival is a testament to the increasing visibility and influence of Latino and Spanish filmmakers. The festival not only provides a platform for established names like Almodóvar and Cuarón but also introduces emerging talents who are redefining the cinematic landscape. The participation of these filmmakers at Venice underscores a broader trend within the industry to embrace diverse voices and narratives, reflecting the global audience's appetite for new and varied stories.