In the fifth edition of Iberseries & Platino Industrial, “27 Nights” held a Uruguay presentation with the latest updates from Daniel Hendler, who opened the San Sebastian Film Festival in September.
“These upcoming titles presented at the Iberseries highlight the development and commitment to international forecasting of Uruguayan films, and recognize the cultural and economic value of its production.”
“Our presentations are important to increase the visibility and impact of Uruguayan films on the international stage,” she told Variety, “It is a great opportunity to showcase the work of filmmakers and talent, opening the door to new collaborations and opportunities overseas.”
According to Marcio Migliorisi, ACAU Head of International Affairs, the agency supports the Uruguay film industry through a $1 million selection fund awarded with a public call for development, production, promotion and distribution. Additionally, ACAU manages the Uruguay Audiovisual Programme (PUA), a cash rebate fund that offers $12 million in reimbursements for joint production and international production services. These financial tools directly support the 2026 Uruguiron release, especially on display in the Iberseries.
Upcoming Slate Drill Down:
documentary
“The Unforgettable Montevid” (Montevid Inruvidable), Alfredo Guiera, 2025, Estodio 2 Demaio) Uruguay/Panama
A hybrid documentary by renowned visual artist Alfredo Guiera, rethinking Montevideo’s architectural identity through a cultural and emotional lens. Located at the intersection of urban exploration and personal memory
“The F Stories of Turtles and Flowers” (“La Fabra de la Tortagai y La Frol”, Carolina Campo Lupo, 2025, Monarca Film) Uruguay/Spain
A deep, officially original co-production between Uruguay and Spain, the documentary blends in with intimate Berite footage and poetic reflections on terminal illness and enduring friendship.
“The Dreaming Boy” (El Niño Que Suenha, Andre Valera, 2025, Coral Cine) Uruguay/France
A character-led biographer documentary pinned into the lives and works of a admired visual artist who survived a life-changing stroke in 2011 and is now quarantined in the French countryside. Filmed across two continents by director Varela (Benedetti, 60 Años Con Luz), the film combines powerful production values with a meditative narrative.
“False Dream” (“UnSueño Errante”, Sofía Betarte, 2025, Montelona) Uruguay/Brazil
This Uruguay and Brazilian documentary follows Cuban immigrants who tackle migration, gig work, motherhood through feminists and transnational lensing, and navigate Montevid’s economic uncertainty.
“Instinct” (Andrés Varela, Carlos Morelli, 2026, El Delirio Story House) Uruguay/Germany
A comprehensive, intercultural documentary (recognized by artists of neurological style) documenting German theatre company Thikwa is preparing to premiere a new performance in Uruguay. Filmed in Germany and Montevideo, the film examines themes of accessibility, artistic expression and motherhood identity.
“Uncomfortable Body” (“Cuerpo Incomodo”, Estefanía Martínez, 2026, Región Cinema – Insumisa Films) Uruguay/Spain
A first-person introspective documentary exploring chronic disease and memory through the lens of director Estefania Martinez, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Filmed between Uruguay and Spain, the film aims to be involved in its embodiment, resilience and identity.
“Ponsonbyland” (Lamiro Cabrera, 2025, Asador Cine) Uruguay/Belgium
The documentary explores the role of British diplomat John Ponsonby in forming both Uruguay and Belgium as an independent nation. Through a historic and relatively lens, the film highlights the similarities and contrast between the two countries’ paths to nationhood. We also look at how those founding moments are reflected in the current civic struggle.
“Hitlerland” (Ana Tipa, 2026, Huerfanita Films) Uruguay/Argentina
A provocative, dark and cynical documentary exploring the identity of Hitler da Silva that shaped his childhood and his social experiences. Fixed to Ana Tipa’s observation lens, the film uses singular cases to reflect stigma, naming and destiny within the Latin American context.
“Into the River” (“Rio Adentro”, Pablo Martínez Pessi, 2026, Gabinete Films) Uruguay/Argentina
This observational documentary follows the fisherman and photographer Lucas as he embarks on a personal and artistic journey into riverside forests in Uruguay and Argentina. Intimately shot and shaped by the slow cinematic aesthetic, the film chronicles the disappearance of life as an artist and the personal arrival.
“Black Box” (“Lacajanegra”, Elisa Barbosariva, 2025, Monterona) Uruguay/Colombia
Mixing research and poetic research, this Uruguay-Colombia co-production revisits the hijacking of the 1969 Avianca Flight HK 1022 and the mysterious figure at its heart: The Man Who Disappeared in Cuban Cultural History.
Fiction feature film
“Keep Coming Back” (“Siempre Vuelven”, Sergio de Leon, 2025, Cordon film) Uruguay/Argentina
A comedic story of a moody genre about Emilio, sadness, sexuality, and teenagers navigate inherited curses. It features elements of magical realism and powerful visual concepts.
“Chinese burns” (Chinese Quemadura, Veronica Perrotta, 2025, Veronica Perrotta) Uruguay/Brazil
Blurring the line between reality and fiction, this surreal chamber piece centers around Siamese twins facing surgical separation and their siblings who want to join them. The film dismantles the nature of physical identity, familial bonds, and gender and desire performances.
“Seven Bullets” (“Las 7 Balas”, Sebastián Pérez, 2026, McGuffin) Uruguay
Constructed as a multi-performing thriller, “The 7 Bullets” reconstructs the events of Montevido’s chaotic bar attack, drawing links between random violence, media sensationalism and potential political tensions.
“The Other Lara” (“El Robo de Lara”, Juan Manuel Solé, 2026, Region Cinema) Uruguay
Another Lala” is a bold cross-media story that spans feature films and interactive video games, following photographers and cosplayers whose identity is being stolen in the digital world. As fiction and technology intersect, the project opens up new terrain for narrative experimentation and audience involvement.
“Dog” (Perros, Gerald Minutti, 2025, Cinevinai – Cimaron Cine) Uruguay/Argentina
A dark comedy social satire in which two neighboring families get caught up in a conflict over a missing dog. With keen writing and absurd feeling, “dogs” epitomise class tension, res and human pettiness. The production credits were produced by Sandino Saravia Vinay, who produces “Roma,” “Blue Trail,” “Bird of Passage,” and the Latin American production service powerhouse Cimarrón (“The Ravaging Wind”).
“A relaxed end” (United Nations Cabo Suert, Daniel Hendler, 2026, Cordon film) Uruguay/Argentina
A low-ranked Argentine police officer, Santiago flees his own forces and travels to Uruguay. Just preparing for his uniform and wit, he floats from roadside food stalls to country hideouts, and survives with charm and instinct. Due to elements of social realism and mild absurdity, the film balances comedy and drama as Santiago tries to reframe his life. The identity drama from Hendler, who emerged as director, premiered in Venice and made a special mention last month in San Sebastian’s Horizontes Latinos.
John Hopewell contributed to this article.
