Mariana Rondón to Close Ibero-American Film festival with New Works
A celebrated figure in latin American cinema, Mariana Rondón, will bring the 23rd Ibero-American Film Festival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to a close with a showcase of her latest projects. The event,organized by the Vértigo Film Association,will feature a double session of films highlighting Rondón’s prolific career as a director,screenwriter,and producer.
rondón, who earned the prestigious Golden Shell at the san Sebastián International Film Festival in 2013 for “Bad Hair,” will present her newest solo directorial effort, “Zafari” (2024), on Friday, October 24. The film, which premiered last year in Donostia, is slated for release in Spanish cinemas on November 14.
A Collaborative Vision
Prior to the premiere of “Zafari,” the festival will screen Rondón’s 2011 production, “The Boy who Lies,” directed by her longtime collaborator, Peruvian filmmaker Marité Ugás. The two artists have maintained a remarkable creative partnership for over three decades, consistently alternating directorial roles while jointly writing and producing their films. This unique approach has allowed them to explore a diverse range of narratives with a consistent artistic voice.
Their latest collaboration, “It’s Still Night in Caracas” (2025), recently debuted at the Venice and Morelia film festivals to critical acclaim. The film is a powerful adaptation of “The Spanish Woman’s Daughter,” a celebrated novel by venezuelan author Karina Sainz Borgo.
Rondón’s presence at Ibértigo 2025 underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing the best of Ibero-American cinema and celebrating the contributions of its most influential filmmakers. Her dedication to storytelling and her collaborative spirit continue to inspire a new generation of artists, solidifying her legacy as a leading voice in the world of film.
