The growth of the Uruguayan audiovisual ecosystem, with the constant government support of institutions such as the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual, Uruguay XXI promotion and export agency, and various ministries, has formed a framework of incentives and programs that promote the production of national films and attract international productions. Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and HBO also find all the advantages of a small but great country for investments, in the same place. Likewise, Uruguayan films, as well as its technical and artistic talent, empower this ecosystem and strengthen its unique identity. Currently, the expressiveness and sensitivity of Uruguayan authors is valued and recognized in the world. And Cannes understands it that way, too.
“The Employee and the Employer”, the feature film by Uruguayan director Manuel Nieto Zas will participate in the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, the prestigious avant-garde parallel selection at the Cannes Festival. At the same time, market screenings will be held at the event, as is the case with the documentary “Directly to VHS”, the debut feature by Director Emilio Silva Torres. Also for the first time, 5 Uruguayan short films will be part of the official catalogue of the Cannes Short Film Corner, thanks to the competition and selection organized in 2020-2021 by the José Ignacio International Film Festival, JIIFF.
Uruguayan film creation marks its presence. It is screened in Cannes, as well as at various festivals and international events. To name a few, “Los Tiburones”, Lucía Garibaldi’s debut film, won the award for best director at Sundance 2019, and “Bosco”, Alicia Cano’s film, was recently awarded best documentary at the Málaga Film Festival.
Uruguay’s presence in Cannes will also be active with the participation in a virtual stand of a delegation of 18 national film producers who will have the opportunity to present their projects at the Marché du Film, and the presence of representatives of the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual as well as Uruguay XXI promotion and export agency.
In recent years, Uruguay has gained momentum as an audiovisual hub in the region, with an industry that has its own distinct personality. In this edition of the Cannes Festival and its Marché du Film, this projection of growth will bring great rewards for the national film industry.
