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Mar del Plata Film Festival Opens 40th Edition With Condon’s ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman

The opening underscores the festival’s sole Class A standing in Latin America in a charged start shaped by counter-programming plus an organizational spat.

Overview

  • The ten-day event runs through November 16 with competitions underway, nearly 200 screenings across multiple venues, and free outdoor showings at Villa Victoria.
  • Director Bill Condon and actor Tonatiuh attended the inaugural screening of the musical adaptation, with Condon set to deliver a public masterclass.
  • Marilina Ross received the Astor de Plata for career achievement and dedicated it to Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, drawing both applause and boos.
  • A public dispute over event visibility broke out during the opening between INCAA president Carlos Pirovano and municipal culture director Francisco Taverna regarding missing signage and production responsibilities.
  • Parallel initiative Fuera de Campo launched its second edition to protest INCAA policies with an Argentine-focused program, while the FIPRESCI jury returned after seven years, reinforcing the festival’s critical profile.