The GuadaLAjara Film Festival has unveiled its complete schedule for the upcoming edition, set to take place from November 5 through 7 at various locations throughout Los Angeles.
The three-day event will premiere with Watermelon Pictures’ film “Ashes,” directed by Diego Luna, at the United Theater. The narrative centers on Lucila, who relocates to Spain with her brother to reconnect with the mother who abandoned the family eight years prior. The story explores her challenges in navigating discrimination and familial duties while seeking independence and confronting past traumas.
Closing the festival will be a 35mm presentation of “Mexicanamerican,” directed by Eddie Sánchez, screening at the Linwood Dunn Theater. This comedy-drama follows Lalo and Beby, a Mexican couple who secured the American Dream but gradually distanced themselves from the culture, language, and traditions they once passed down to their children.
Additionally, the festival’s Centerpiece Gala will feature a screening of Ava DuVernay’s documentary “14th” at Vidiots. Distributed by Netflix, the film examines contemporary constitutional crises in the United States and traces the historical patterns that underpin them, highlighting what DuVernay describes as an ongoing struggle to define the nation.
“We are proud to bring these films to Los Angeles,” said Ximena Urrutia, executive director of GLAFF. “They tell our stories, honor our cultures and present some of the finest work of the year from Mexico, Latin America, the United States and beyond.”
The full programming roster includes a mix of U.S., West Coast, and international premieres, highlighting creators who are influencing the current cinematic landscape. Notable features include “Adam’s Apple” by Amy Jenkins, an intimate documentary following a transgender teen and his mother over two decades; “Chicas Tristes (Sad Girlz)” by Fernanda Tovar, a coming-of-age drama about two friends tested by differing responses to trauma; and “City of the Dead (Ciudad de Muertos)” by J.M. Cravioto, a thriller involving a forensic photographer hunting a serial killer.
Other highlighted titles include “Dear Fátima (Querida Fátima),” a collaborative effort by Lorena Gutiérrez, Jesús “Don Chucho” Quintana, Rodrigo Reyes, Dawn Valadez, and Su Kim, which documents Gutiérrez’s year-long protest outside Mexico’s National Palace demanding justice for her murdered daughter; and “Shooting Stars” by Daniel Poler, starring Adrián Solano, a Venezuelan man who accidentally competes in the 2017 Nordic World Ski Championships. The latter is executive produced by John Leguizamo and produced in partnership with ESPN and TriBeCa Studios.
A short film section will also showcase emerging talent, with screenings of “Para Los Contrincantes,” “He’s Out There,” “Busy Bodies,” “The Long Con,” “La Mar,” “Lucretia y Las Brujas,” “Marga en el DF,” “Miriam,” “Stalin Boys,” “Still Standing,” “The Motive,” and “Vyann/Carne.”
Beyond screenings, the festival will offer red-carpet premieres, panel discussions, master classes, and industry networking events. Organizers indicated that additional programming and participating talent will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Honestly, I’m more interested in Adam’s Apple. A documentary spanning two decades following a trans teen sounds incredibly important and moving.
Is anyone else excited about Mexicanamerican closing out the fest? Eddie Sánchez always delivers such authentic humor mixed with heart.
I had no idea Ava DuVernay’s 14th was screening there. That documentary is so relevant right now, honestly surprising selection for this lineup.
Diego Luna opening the festival is a great choice. Ashes sounds like a powerful story about family and identity.