The Guadalajara Film Festival (GLAFF) takes place in Los Angeles from November 5–7, featuring a slate of international premieres and screenings across several city venues. The festival officially opens with the Diego Luna-directed film Ashes and concludes with a 35mm presentation of Eddie Sánchez’s Mexicanamerican, as reported by Variety.
Opening and Closing Night Selections
The festival begins at the United Theater with Ashes, a production from Watermelon Pictures. The film centers on a character named Lucila, who moves to Spain with her brother to reconnect with their mother after an eight-year separation. The narrative explores themes of family obligation and the struggle for personal independence amidst experiences of discrimination.
Closing the event at the Linwood Dunn Theater, Mexicanamerican follows the lives of Lalo and Beby. The film depicts the couple’s journey to achieve the American Dream and the subsequent loss of the cultural traditions, language, and shared heritage they once passed down to their children.
Ava DuVernay Film Headlines the Centerpiece Gala
The festival’s Centerpiece Gala will take place at Vidiots, featuring the screening of Ava DuVernay’s 14th. The film examines constitutional crises and historical patterns in the United States, positioning the film as an exploration of an ongoing struggle to define the nation.
According to Ximena Urrutia, the executive director of GLAFF, the selection aims to honor diverse cultures and showcase cinematic work from Mexico, Latin America, and the United States. The program includes a variety of feature-length films and short-form projects, such as:
- Adam’s Apple: A film by Amy Jenkins that chronicles two decades in the life of a transgender teenager and his family’s transition.
- Cravioto, following a forensic photographer caught in a serial killer investigation.
- Dear Fátima (Querida Fátima): A film directed by a team including Lorena Gutiérrez and Rodrigo Reyes, documenting a mother’s decade-long campaign for justice following the death of her daughter.
- Shooting Stars: A film executive-produced by John Leguizamo that follows a Venezuelan man’s unexpected participation in the 2017 Nordic World Ski Championships.
Short Films and Industry Events Highlight Emerging Talent
In addition to the feature films, the festival will highlight emerging filmmakers through a dedicated short film program. Notable entries include The Long Con, starring Nava Mau, and Chicas Tristes (Sad Girlz), a coming-of-age drama directed by Fernanda Tovar.
The event schedule also incorporates industry-focused programming, including panel discussions, master classes, and red-carpet premieres. While the initial lineup has been confirmed, festival organizers have stated that further details regarding specific participating talent and additional community events will be released in the lead-up to the November dates.
Festival Logistics
- Event Dates: November 5–7.
- Primary Venues: United Theater, Linwood Dunn Theater, and Vidiots.
- Scope: The festival includes U.S., West Coast, and international premieres.
While the festival has finalized its primary screening schedule, it is not yet clear which specific cast members and directors will attend the panels and red-carpet events, as those details are pending further announcements from the organizers.
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