The fifth edition of Iberseries & Platino Industria showcased Uruguay’s lineup of forthcoming films, featuring new work from Daniel Hendler, whose film “27 Nights” opened the San Sebastian Film Festival last month.
“The titles we are presenting at Iberseries reflect our commitment to advancing and internationally promoting Uruguayan cinema, acknowledging the cultural and economic importance of our productions,” stated Gisella Previtali, president of Uruguay’s national film agency, ACAU.
“This presentation is vital for enhancing the visibility and influence of Uruguayan cinema globally,” she shared with Variety, adding: “It is indeed a wonderful chance to highlight the work of our filmmakers and talents, paving the way for new collaborations and opportunities overseas.”
Marcio Migliorisi, head of international affairs at ACAU, explained that the agency supports the Uruguayan film sector through a selective fund of $1 million, made available through open calls for development, production, promotion, and distribution initiatives. Furthermore, ACAU administers the Uruguayan Audiovisual Program (PUA), which includes a cash rebate fund providing $12 million in reimbursements for co-productions and international production services. These financial resources have directly bolstered the 2026 Uruguayan films featured at Iberseries.
Overview of Upcoming Projects:
DOCUMENTARIES
“Unforgettable Montevideo” (Montevideo inolvidable, Alfredo Ghierra, 2025, Estudio 2 de Mayo) Uruguay/Panama
A hybrid documentary by acclaimed visual artist Alfredo Ghierra that explores the architectural identity of Montevideo through a cultural and emotional prism, blending urban exploration with personal memory.
“The Fable of the Turtle and the Flower” (La fabula de la tortuga y la flor, Carolina Campo Lupo, 2025, Monarca Films) Uruguay/Spain
This deeply personal co-production merges intimate vérité footage with poetic reflections on terminal illness and enduring friendships.
“The Boy Who Dreams” (El niño que sueña, Andrés Varela, 2025, Coral Cine) Uruguay/France
A character-driven biographical documentary centered on an acclaimed visual artist who, after a life-altering stroke in 2011, now creates in isolation in rural France. Directed by Varela (Benedetti, 60 años con luz), this film shot across two continents features strong production values intertwined with a contemplative narrative.
“An Errant Dream” (Un sueño errante, Sofía Betarte, 2025, Montelona) Uruguay/Brazil
This Uruguayan-Brazilian documentary addresses migration, gig work, and motherhood from a feminist and transnational perspective, chronicling a Cuban immigrant’s journey through economic hardship in Montevideo.
“Instinct” (Andrés Varela, Carlos Morelli, 2026, El Delirio Story House) Uruguay/Germany
This cross-cultural documentary captures the German theater company Thikwa—comprising neurodiverse artists—as they prepare for a new performance in Uruguay. Shot in both Germany and Montevideo, the film explores themes of accessibility, artistic expression, and maternal identity.
“Uncomfortable Body” (Cuerpo incomodo, Estefanía Martínez, 2026, Región Cinema – Insumisa Films) Uruguay/Spain
A personal and introspective documentary that delves into chronic illness and memory, narrated by director Estefanía Martínez, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Filmed across Uruguay and Spain, the work seeks to engage with themes of embodiment, resilience, and identity.
“Ponsonbyland” (Ramiro Cabrera, 2025, Asador Cine) Uruguay/Belgium
This documentary examines the contributions of British diplomat John Ponsonby to the establishment of both Uruguay and Belgium as independent nations, analyzing historical parallels and contrasts and their relevance to contemporary identity issues faced by citizens in both countries.
“Hitlerland” (Ana Tipa, 2026, Huerfanita Films) Uruguay/Argentina
A thought-provoking, darkly comedic documentary about the identity of Hitler Da Silva, whose name has significantly influenced his childhood and societal interactions. Anchored in Ana Tipa’s observational style, the film reflects on stigma, identity, and destiny within a Latin American context.
“Into the River” (Rio adentro, Pablo Martínez Pessi, 2026, Gabinete Films) Uruguay/Argentina
This observational documentary follows Lucas, a fisherman and photographer, as he embarks on a personal and artistic exploration of the riverside forests of Uruguay and Argentina. Its intimate aesthetic, shaped by slow cinema, documents a disappearing way of life coupled with an artist’s personal growth.
“The Black Box” (La caja negra, Elisa Barbosa Riva, 2025, Montelona) Uruguay/Colombia
Through a blend of investigative journalism and poetic exploration, this Uruguay-Colombia co-production revisits the hijacking of Avianca Flight HK 1022 in 1969, focusing on the mysterious figure at the center of the incident—a man who has since faded into Cuban cultural history.
FICTION FEATURE FILMS
“Keep Coming Back” (Siempre vuelven, Sergio De León, 2025, Cordón Films) Uruguay/Argentina
A moody coming-of-age film that follows Emilio, a teenager grappling with grief, sexuality, and a family curse, weaving elements of magical realism into its visually compelling narrative.
“Chinese Burn” (Quemadura China, Verónica Perrotta, 2025, Verónica Perrotta) Uruguay/Brazil
This surreal chamber drama explores themes of identity and family, centering on Siamese twins undergoing surgical separation and their brother who wishes to be part of their bond, all framed within a collapsing environment.
“The 7 Bullets” (Las 7 balas, Sebastián Pérez Pérez, 2026, McGuffin) Uruguay
A multi-perspective thriller that reconstructs a chaotic bar attack in Montevideo, examining the connections between random violence, media sensationalism, and political tensions.
“The Other Lara” (El robo de Lara, Juan Manuel Solé, 2026, Region Cinema) Uruguay
A daring transmedia project that merges feature filmmaking with an interactive video game, following a photographer and cosplayer whose identity faces theft in the digital realm. This innovative narrative experiment merges fiction with technology, expanding audience engagement.
“Dogs” (Perros, Gerardo Minutti, 2025, Cinevinay – Cimarrón Cine) Uruguay/Argentina
A darkly humorous social satire where two neighboring families descend into chaos over a missing dog, offering a pointed reflection on class disparities, human pettiness, and social tensions through sharp writing and a sense of escalating absurdity. Produced by Sandino Saravia Vinay, known for his work on acclaimed films such as “Roma,” “The Blue Trail,” and “Birds of Passage,” alongside Latin-American production powerhouse Cimarrón.
“A Loose End” (Un cabo suelto, Daniel Hendler, 2026, Cordón Films) Uruguay/Argentina
This film follows Santiago, a low-ranking Argentine police officer on the run in Uruguay. Armed with only his uniform and quick wit, he drifts from food stalls to rural hideouts, surviving through charm and instinct. With a blend of social realism and light absurdity, the film balances comedy and drama as Santiago seeks to piece his life back together. A unique dramedy from Hendler, who is rapidly establishing himself as a director, following its premiere in Venice and receiving a special mention at San Sebastian’s Horizotes Latinos last month.
