The Malaga Festival Fund & Co-Production Event (MAFF) 2025 is set to showcase a diverse and compelling slate of 25 films, many of which highlight the innovative and socially conscious storytelling that defines contemporary Spanish and Latin American cinema. Among the standout projects are Fernando Franco’s “Lorca,” a haunting drama about the poet Federico Lorca’s final days, Caru Alves de Souza’s “A City for Christine,” a gender revenge drama that critiques urban exclusion, and Diana Toucedo’s “To Live in a Shout,” which follows a U.N. human rights activist grappling with Europe’s migration crisis. These films, along with others, reflect a strong focus on social malaise, violence, and identity, resonating with the current socio-political landscape of the region.
One of the most notable aspects of this year’s selection is the high number of films directed by women, with nine out of the 25 titles helmed by female filmmakers. These projects tackle a wide range of pressing issues, from environmental degradation to LGBTQ+ rights and social inequality. For instance, Paula Martel’s “First We Take Anillaco” is a teenage Western set in Argentina’s 2001 crisis, blending genre thrills with political rebellion, while Natalia Luque’s “A Decorous Woman” explores intergenerational bonds between women in a heartwarming dramedy. These films not only showcase the talent of emerging female directors but also signal a shift in the industry toward more inclusive and diverse storytelling.
Violence, in its many forms, is a recurring theme in this year’s lineup. From the physical horrors of “Lorca” to the social and political upheaval depicted in films like “The Queers Riot” and “Forest Walk,” the selection offers a nuanced exploration of violence as both a symptom and a response to systemic issues. In “First We Take Anillaco,” violence is framed as an act of resistance, while in “Everything Must Go,” it takes the form of workplace corruption and exploitation. These narratives reflect the complexities of Latin America’s history and present, offering viewers a provocative examination of the region’s struggles.
The lineup also highlights the growing influence of genre cinema, particularly from young female directors. Films like “Maguana Racing,” a comedic take on street racing in the Dominican Republic, and “Green Inferno,” an environmental thriller inspired by true events, demonstrate a willingness to experiment with genre conventions while addressing social issues. Meanwhile, “The Tenants,” a horror film about immigration and xenophobia, uses the genre to convey the psychological and emotional toll of displacement. These films prove that genre storytelling can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Many of the projects selected for MAFF 2025 are distinguished by their strong narrative ambition and unique perspectives. For example, “The Espejos” examines the legacy of Latin America’s wars of independence through a historical drama set in 1808 Ecuador, while “Her Ocean” tells an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story set in a Peruvian jungle city. These films, along with others like “Pink Desert” and “I’m Not Universal,” highlight the richness and diversity of contemporary Latin American cinema, blending personal stories with broader social and political themes.
Overall, the 2025 MAFF lineup is a testament to the creativity and resilience of filmmakers from Spain and Latin America. With a focus on social issues, genre innovation, and female-led narratives, these films represent some of the most exciting and thought-provoking works in the region today. The festival not only provides a platform for these stories to reach a wider audience but also underscores the importance of co-production and collaboration in fostering new talent and innovative cinema. As the industry continues to evolve, events like MAFF remind us of the power of film to challenge, inspire, and connect us all.
