A second day marked by premieres and special events

The Mar del Plata International Film Festival continues with a lineup for every taste. This Saturday, November 8, the second day featured appearances by acclaimed artists such as actress Lola Ponce, actor Aarón Díaz, and comedian José María Listorti, along with special activities led by Marcela López Rey and Bill Condon, and screenings in the competitive sections, which make this prestigious event shine with extraordinary moments.

The weekend began with a morning full of outstanding feature films. At the Astor Piazzolla Hall, the International Competition screened Calle Málaga, directed by Maryam Touzani. Meanwhile, at Cine Paseo Aldrey, the Argentine Competition continued with The Letter, by Rodrigo Hernán Vila, who engaged in a post-screening discussion with the audience. At the same time, in the neighboring theater, actress Lola Ponce and actor Aarón Díaz did the same following the screening of Espina, by Daniel Poler.

When asked about her participation in the Festival representing the film running in the Latin American Competition, Ponce stated: “It’s always a pleasure to return to my country and present such a beautiful project. I feel grateful and deeply moved by all the love I’ve received.”

Around midday, Bill Condon, Tonatiuh Elizarraraz, Marcela López Rey, and Juan Pablo Canala held a talk on Manuel Puig, discussing cinematic adaptation and perspectives on the Argentine writer’s work. It is worth noting that López Rey was a close friend of Puig. The artist recalled: “He wasn’t easy to understand—he once told me that when he felt very sad, he would look at the notes he had taped to his wardrobe, each one marking happy moments in his life.”

Also part of the special activities, film critic Carlos Morelli gave a presentation at the Rambla Hall of the Casino Central on his life and connection to the seventh art. Later that day, the same venue hosted U.S. film producer Paul Zaentz.

actress Leticia Brédice and Martín Bielinsky, son of late director Fabián Bielinsky, presented the short film La Espera (1983) and the feature Nine Queens (2000), screened back to back. The young Bielinsky expressed: “It moves me to see how people have embraced the film and turned it into a part of Argentine cinema that, ultimately, belongs to everyone.”

In the afternoon, film enthusiasts enjoyed the Argentine family comedy El novio de mamá, starring José María Listorti and Dani “La Chepi”. The comedian invited everyone to “come to the Mar del Plata Festival,” adding that it truly is “a luxury.”

Meanwhile, Marilina Ross, recipient of the Silver Astor Award at this year’s opening ceremony, was deeply moved as she presented La Raulito, the classic by Lautaro Murúa, within the Mar del Plata Classics section. The screening took place at 7:30 p.m. in the historic Teatro Colón. Ross shared: “I spent five years looking for someone to produce the film until Sabina Sigler agreed to do it and Lautaro Murúa agreed to direct it. But when he saw me, he said he didn’t see me in the role. I had to audition, and after that, La Raulito began its journey,” concluded the actress and singer.

The evening continued with Cristina Banegas and Pablo Rago presenting the series Yiya at Cine Aldrey, where attendees were able to engage with them in a Q&A session. Banegas highlighted: “Yiya is part of our national culture. We tell the story of the last part of her life, when she kept lying, claiming she was innocent—something quite common among psychopaths.”

In turn, Rago added: “It’s the first time Cristina and I have worked together, and it was a real pleasure. We’re proud of what we accomplished.”The day came to an end with the premiere of Criollos, a documentary by Matías Tamborenea, selected for the Argentine Competition.