The opening of the event, with Brazil as guest of honor country, took place at the Rialto Movie Theater, precisely when the 91st anniversary of the birth of the late filmmaker was marked.

The Brazilian delegation, made up by producers and critics, is the second largest in the competitive event.

The Festival’s president, Lazara Herrera, welcomed participants and ratified the social commitment and responsibility of documentary makers attending the meeting, which will focus on documentaries in today’s world.

This fiesta of documentaries will run until March 13, and pays tribute to narrator and essayist Reynaldo Gonzalez, who was the director of the national movie library. The event will also pay tribute to composer, arranger and band leader Juan Formell, who contributed his music to over 100 documentaries made by Santiago Alvarez.

A jury composed of experts from various nations will assess more than 20 pieces
competing in the categories of Documentary, Project, Photography, and the San Antonio de los Baños International Film and Television School.

Sponsored by ICAIC’s Santiago Alvarez Office, the event will also include non-competitive screenings, round tables and conferences.