Mar del Plata Film Festival to Honor Natalia Oreiro, Emilio Kauderer, and Alejandro Agresti

The Mar del Plata Film Festival is set to honor three prominent figures in Argentine cinema: actress Natalia Oreiro, composer Emilio Kauderer, and director Alejandro Agresti. They will each receive a lifetime achievement award, named after Astor Piazzolla, at the festival's 41st edition, scheduled for November 5-15.

This year's festival theme, "Where Argentine cinema dialogues with the world," will include a special tribute to the late director Héctor Babenco. Four of his films, including "Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco" and the previously unreleased "My Hindu Friend," will be screened. A panel discussion will also analyze Babenco's filmography and legacy, marking 80 years since his birth in Mar del Plata.

Emilio Kauderer, known for his scores in films by Juan José Campanella and Adolfo Aristarain, will also perform a free concert in Buenos Aires on October 19. He will conduct the Juan de Dios Filiberto National Music Orchestra, playing excerpts from his film compositions accompanied by movie visuals. The full festival program will be announced on the same day. Organizers reported a 27% increase in submissions this year, with 1127 titles entered, from which 150 will be selected for the official lineup. This edition marks the third organized by the current management of the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (Incaa).