Sitges Film Festival Director Seeks Next Issa Lopez

Monica Garcia, director general of the Sitges Film Festival, stated at the Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM) that the festival is actively seeking the next prominent genre filmmaker, drawing a parallel to the success of Mexican director Issa Lopez. Garcia made these remarks during a panel discussion focused on the current landscape of genre filmmaking in Latin America and the burgeoning talent emerging from the region. The CRMM event also served as the platform to announce the launch of the Latin American branch of the genre initiative WomanInFan.

Garcia was joined on the panel by Morbido CEO Pablo Guisa and Mexican director Luis Javier Henaine, known for his work on "Disappear Completely." The discussion delved into the increasing visibility and creative output of Latin American genre cinema, a sector that has seen significant growth in recent years. The participants highlighted the unique storytelling approaches and cultural influences that are shaping horror, thriller, and other genre films from countries across the continent.

The establishment of the Latin American offshoot of WomanInFan signifies a dedicated effort to support and promote female creators within the genre filmmaking space. This initiative aims to provide resources, networking opportunities, and a platform for women directors, writers, and producers to showcase their work on an international scale. The Sitges Film Festival, a renowned international event for fantastic cinema, has consistently championed diverse voices and innovative filmmaking, making its presence at the CRMM a strategic move to connect with and foster emerging talent in Latin America.