SAN JUAN
FINE ARTS MIRAMAR AND OTHER VENUES
NOVEMBER 13-21 2024
15TH PUERTO RICO
FILM FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL DE CINE EUROPEO DE PUERTO RICO
Presentation in English
WHO ARE WE?
THE PUERTO RICO EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL IS:
• The largest European cultural event in Puerto Rico, drawing upon its relationships with European embassies, consulates and institutions
• Avid promoter of cinematic and cultural exchange between Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America
• A dynamic forum with extensive social and media impact that promotes education, professional exchange, intercultural awareness, and community building through its cinematic programs over the year.
• A long-time cultivator of local cinematic talents through its short film program, Cortadito
• An educational and cultural force, thanks to its programs for children and youth, as well as underserved communities
• An annual event that has entertained and educated over 78,000 spectators since 2010 and reached over 1 million people in 2020 through media coverage and promotions
FOUNDING INSTITUTION
Founded in 1937, Alliance Française Puerto Rico is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has taught French to thousands of residents and provided additional opportunities through international diplomas and study programs in France. As the island’s premier French language and cultural center, AFPR is dedicated to the promotion of intercultural exchange between France and Puerto Rico and hosts a variety of events every year. It is a member of the internationally renown Alliance Française with branches in 135 countries.
THE PUERTO RICO EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS
15TH ANNIVERSARY
FESTIVAL WEEK
Following the Opening Night VIP Event, the Festival will feature a curated 7-day program of film screenings and premieres , enriched by panel discussions, meet-and-greets, and other events in San Juan’s top venues. On the closing day, the Cortadito 2024 winners will be announced during the Awards Night ceremony.
OPENING NIGHT VIP EVENT NOVEMBER 13, 2024
Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar
San Juan, Puerto Rico
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 14-20, 2024
Screenings of European films, international coproductions, talks, receptions & much more
Caribbean Cinemas, Fine Arts Miramar
San Juan, Puerto Rico
AWARDS NIGHT NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Alliance Française Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
FESTINEMA JUNIOR
11TH FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL FOR YOUTH
This educational program —provided, notably, at no cost to participating schools —will offer a selection of exclusive French films to inspire children and teenagers . Over 1,000 students from public and private schools across the island will be invited. Supplementary educational workshops and materials will help to enrich participants’ viewing experience.
PRESENTATIONS
NOVEMBER 14, 15, 18, 19 & 20, 2024
Free film screenings for local schools in Puerto Rico
Caribbean Cinemas, Fine Arts Miramar
San Juan, Puerto Rico
APRIL 2024 - MARCH 2025
CORTADITO
PUERTO RICAN SHORT FILM PROGRAM
CORTADITO FILM LAB APRIL - NOVEMBER 2024
New development initiative for new Puerto Rican short films made possible thanks to the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
COMPETITION NOVEMBER 14-20, 2024
Caribbean Cinemas, Fine Arts Miramar San Juan, Puerto Rico
RETROSPECTIVE + CATALOG FROM SUMMER 2024
New project to showcase the first decade of Cortadito, which has been instrumental to independent Puerto Rican cinema’s evolution
COMMUNITY FILM PROGRAMS
In accordance with our belief in cinema as a powerful tool for learning, dialogue, and exchange , the 15 th edition aims to expand our flagship community programs that serve all of Puerto Rico.
CINE GIRA NOVEMBER 2024 - FEBRUARY 2025
Presentations for community throughout Puerto Rico
CINE PASAJE OCTOBER 2024 - FEBRUARY 2025
Presentations in local universities
CONVERCINE, COURSES & MORE ALL YEAR LONG
Special programs focusing on discussion and the exchange of ideas
FESTIVAL TEAM
PREFF is lead by a team of international professionals who aim to create new connections and opportunities between Europe, Puerto Rico, and the Americas through the medium of cinema. Drawing upon its team members’ broad experience and the Alliance Française’s resources, this cinematic event brings together over 20 experts, specialists, and industry insiders, along with dedicated volunteers, to fulfill its mission and objectives.
Álvaro Aponte Centeno ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Álvaro Aponte Centeno is one of the island’s leading independent filmmakers. From age 8 until university, he studied Classical Music. He later pursued film studies at the Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV in Cuba. He attended a Sundance Workshop for emerging writers and directors. His cinematographic works have been screened at various festivals, including Cannes, Locarno, San Sebastian, Munich, Melbourne, Stockholm, Havana, Lima, Geneva and Hong Kong. With his second feature film project, Sarah, he was selected for a residency program at the Cannes Film Festival Foundation and the Locarno Filmmaker Academy.
Federico Olivieri, PhD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Raised in Italy and Spain, Federico Olivieri, PhD, is a cultural manager, journalist, teacher and researcher specializing in the intersections between film, film festivals, and cultural action for interculturality. He holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Seville, an MA in Global Media and Postnational Communication from SOAS (University of London), as well as a PhD in Cultural and Political Studies from the Pablo de Olavide University (Spain). He has worked for the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) in Kenya and in different universities and film festivals in Europe, Africa, and America. He is co-founder of the Slum Film Festival (Nairobi) and member of the African Film Festival FCAT (Spain).
MISSION
The Festival team recognizes Puerto Rico’s unique position between Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas, which provides enormous potential and opportunity for the film industry. All the while maintaining our legacy of bringing the best of European cinema to Puerto Rico, the Festival team has envisioned new, dynamic goals that promise to energize cinema in Puerto Rico—for both professionals and spectators.
2 1 3
Create a bridge between Europe, Puerto Rico, and the Americas by using cinema as vehicle for dialogue, intercultural exchange, education, and international cooperation
Foster the sharing and collective enjoyment of high-quality cinema with an emphasis on originality, inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and sustainability
Provide opportunities for education and training, as well as a conducive environment and opportunities for industry professionals on both sides of the Atlantic, establishing Puerto Rico as a unique destination for film industries from different regional markets
PREFF’S PAST EDITION
7 Film screenings at 3 theaters in Fine Arts Miramar 50
Days of film screenings at Fine Arts Miramar (San Juan, PR)
VIPs and guests at the Opening Night celebration
350 participating European embassies and consulates 10+
5,500+
attendees
BY THE NUMBERS | 2023
6
original Puerto Rican short films produced and screened in competition (CORTADITO)
4
Special evening cocktail parties celebrating the national cinemas of Germany, France, Italy & Spain
1.9+ million
people reached via digital promotions & media coverage
10+
3 free film screenings around Puerto Rico (CINE GIRA)
20 weeks of film presentations in universities (CINE PASAJE)
free educational film screenings for local schools (FESTINEMA JUNIOR)
THE PUERTO RICO EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
is much more than a week of film presentations in a cinema...
European Film Showcase
A unique spotlight on European film premieres and other special screenings during Festival Week
Film Nights
Monthly presentations of French cinema held at the Alliance Française of Puerto Rico
Thematic Series
Thoughtfully curated series of films that explore varied themes throughout the year
PREFF’s presentation venues provide unparalleled access to quality cinema in Puerto Rico.
Festinema Junior
French Film Festival for Youth that presents subtitled French films with complementary educational activities
Cine Pasaje
Our signature university program that presents European films to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and critical analysis
Courses & Workshops
Specialized classes for professionals and workshops for cinephiles
PREFF serves as an educational wellspring, offering students new, broader perspectives via thought provoking, engaging presentations.
Cortadito
Signature annual competition that supports the creation of original short films by Puerto Rican filmmakers
Foro Industria
Talks and workshops for film industry professionals that foster development and create artistic synergy in the local market
With its industry programming, PREFF has become a dynamic springboard for local filmmakers and cinema professionals.
The Festival is a multi-program platform that engages in 5 distinct areas of impact throughout the year.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
SOCIAL EVENTS
Cine Gira Galas
Touring program that brings film screenings to different communities around Puerto Rico
Special Collaborations
Collaborative events that bring cinema and its related arts to communities with limited access to high-quality cultural programming
ConVerCine
Presentations for groups specifically designed to foster dialogue, aiming to spark important conversations inspired by cinema
PREFF community film presentations provide unique opportunities for dialogue and exchange on cinema and social issues.
VIP events and exclusive invitationonly celebrations during the Festival
Events
Receptions and other convivial activities for Festival participants
With its variety of events, PREFF offers a unique social space for memorable exchanges and festive moments.
PREFF programs are curated on an annual basis with a special attention to their specific impact and access to a wide range of communities and groups. Each program supports the grown of high quality cinema in Puerto Rico for both personal and social development within cultural, professional, and cultural domains.
EUROPEAN FILM SHOWCASE
The Festival offers a unique cinematic experience that brings the best of European cinema to the silver screen.
The Festival is one of Puerto Rico’s premier forums for new European film productions, many of which would never be seen elsewhere on the Island. Enriching the program is the participation of European embassies, consulates, and cultural institutions, which have provided films and financial support, sponsored special guests, and offered other key resources.
EUROPEAN SPONSORS 14TH EDITION | 2023
Some of the most popular selections from the past 14th edition: A Brighter Tomorrow - Il sol dell’avvenire (Italy), Three Colors Blue (France, Switzerland & Poland), Matria (Spain)
A JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE
VIA THE SEVENTH ART
As in every edition, our signature film showcase presents an exclusive selection of the best contemporary cinema from Europe. Attentively curated by its executive team, PREFF’s selection presents a broad range of cinematic works that represent the cultural, linguistic, and cinematic diversity of contemporary Europe.
For this new edition, the Festival will once again present:
• Feature length films that have been honored at top festivals, such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, San Sebastián, and Locarno.
• A variety of cinematic genres in the program
• Classic titles that continue to inspire the industry
• European co-productions that broaden perspectives
• Films with themes and subject matter relevant for children and families
• Works that engage with issues of equality, sustainability, and other socially relevant topics
• Aesthetically innovative works by emerging filmmakers
• Special themed programs
MONTHLY FILM SCREENING & THEMATIC PROGRAMS
The first Friday of every month, the Festival offers free public presentations of French-language films as part of its Noche de Cine (Film Night) program at Alliance Française de Puerto Rico in Santurce. Moreover, in conjunction with both European and local institutions, the Festival can also offer special film presentations upon request.
THE 2023 EUROPEAN FILM SHOWCASE BY THE NUMBERS
30 European films
10+ local premieres of European films
20+ European countries featured
5 programming categories
10 conversations in the cinema with special guests & directors
4 European themed cocktail parties (France, Germany, Italy & Spain)
CORTADITO
Our signature short film competition is broadening horizons for local cinema and fostering connections between Puerto Rico, Europe, and North America.
For over ten years, this program—the only of it kind in the local market—has supported the development of Puerto Rican cinematic talent and the production of new original short films, additionally awarding them in competition during the Festival and promoting them at numerous events in and outside of Puerto Rico. Thanks to the support of the National Endowment for the Arts for this 2024 edition, Cortadito is set to expand its impact and reach even further.
CORTADITO FILM LAB
Between February and October 2024, this program provides professional training and fosters the development of new Puerto Rican short films. Specialized guidance and resources will be provided to the final six projects selected via an open call.
CORTADITO PARTNERS PREFF’S 14TH EDITION | 2023
The Cortadito Film Lab is made possible through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Cortadito 2023: Carine Delplanque, Alliance Française de Puerto Rico executive director, and Esteban Ruiz González, winner of Audience y Best Director award for Renata
Renata, dir. Esteban Ruiz González, 2023
Pan de la Esquina, dir. Natala Vega Maisonave, 2023
COMPETITION 2024
During Festival Week (November 14-20), an jury of local and international members will select and present over twelve awards in various categories to this edition’s Cortadito entries.
RETROSPECTIVE & DIGITAL LIBRARY
To showcase the diversity of Puerto Rican cinema and the rich history of the program, we will introduce a new catalog featuring the best shorts from Cortadito’s first 10 years. PREFF aims to present this retrospective in film festivals, as well as cultural and educational centers, across PR, the US, and beyond.
CORTADITO
BY THE NUMBERS
25% 50+
Puerto Rican short films produced since 2010 of the Festival audience who attends Cortadito presentations
6+ months of professional assistance for short film development & production (CORTADITO FILM LAB)
17,000+ Cortadito spectators since 2013
6 original Puerto Rican short films to be produced in 2024
Cortadito 2023: Vincent Ancelly (TotalEnergies Puerto Rico financial director), Natalia Vega Maisonave (winner for Best Short Film for Pan de la Esquina and Best Screenplay), Jeannice Mustafá, Fabiola Orta López, Everly Sánchez Vázquez
Desagravio, dir. Ray Figueroa, Best Short film, 2017
FORO INDUSTRIA
A professionally oriented program dedicated to the development of exchange between Europe, Puerto Rico, and the Americas in the audiovisual and cinema sectors
Launched in 2022, Foro Industria (Industry Forum), scheduled in conjunction with the Festival week program, fosters networking for audiovisual and film industry professionals from Europe, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. Through master classes, online pitching sessions, and inperson seminars, the Industry Forum energizes international co-production and unlocks new opportunities in the Puerto Rican creative industries.
• Master-talk with Spanish director Rocío Mesa (Secaderos), 2023
• Discussion with French producer Clara Marquart, 2023
• Online forum for European-Caribbean coproductions, 2023
• Masterclass with Valérie Mouroux, audiovisual attache at the Embassy of France in the United States, hosted by Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, 2022
• Talk with local actress Marisé Álvarez on the opportunites and challenges faced in international co-productions, 2022
• Acting workshop with award-winning Romanian actress Ioana Bugarin, 2022
• Round table on financing local films, 2022
• Brainstorming workshop focusing on inclusivity in Puerto Rican cinema, 2022
PAST EVENTS IN 2022 & 2023
Talk with Romanian actress Ioana Bugarin, 2022
Carine Delplanque, Álvaro Aponte Centeno & Federico Olivieri
Brainstorming workshop for inclusive Puerto Rican cinema, 2022
FORO
INUDSTRIA 2023
BY THE NUMBERS
2
3 industry events for professional networking specialized seminars presented by experts from Europe
500+ cinema professionals in PR benefited since 2022
8 Puerto Rican films in development presented in online pithing session in 2023
2,000 visits to the web page for CineConexión, a new forum for European-Caribbean coproductions
“Coproducing independent cinema with France” talk presented by Clara Marquardt, 2023
Master-talk with Rocío Mesa, director of Secaderos, 2023
Masterclass with Valérie Mourux from the French Embassy in the United States, 2022
CINE GIRA
The Festival’s touring program brings free screenings to numerous communities across the Puerto Rican archipelago.
Continuing PREFF’s community initiatives and its our goal of providing high-quality cinema to communities in Puerto Rico with limited access to cultural events, the newest edition of the Cine Gira (Film Tour) will continue to facilitate screenings of Cortadito short films and European productions across the archipelago
Always free of charge, community screenings are accompanied by discussions with Festival directors, participating filmmakers, and other invited talents. By promoting Puerto Rican and European cinema as sources of inspiration and entertainment, the Cine Gira helps to expand the Festival’s cultural exchange mission year after year.
PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS IN PAST EDITIONS
• Casa Pueblo, Adjuntas
• Frutos del Guacabo, Manatí
• UPR - Mayagüez
• Taller Comunidad La Goyco, Santurce
• Escuela Ecológica de Culebra
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Ponce
• Vaca Negra, Carrizales/Hatillo
• Casa Bavaria, Morovis
CINE GIRA 2023-2024 BY THE NUMBERS
8
Puerto Rico and European films presented
8 presentations outside of the San Juan metro area: Adjuntas, Manatí, Ponce, Mayagüez, Culebra, Gurabo, Cayey...
1,000+ participants 10+ partnerships with local organizations
FESTINEMA JUNIOR
Our signature French Film Festival for Youth returns to Fine Arts Miramar for its 11th edition on November 14, 15, 18, 19 and 20.
Festinema Junior proudly offers French-language films with Spanish subtitles to local students from elementary to high school—at absolutely no cost. In fact, it was in Puerto Rico that Festinema was first launched before it was eventually adopted in several cities in the United States. Teachers at participating schools are given a free workshop and provided with a program of follow-up class activities in French, Spanish, and English to make Festinema screenings a true learning experience for their students.
In 2024, Festinema Junior is set to offer film presentations for over 20 public and private schools for 5 weekday mornings during Festival week. This year’s selection features 4 films selected in collaboration with the Alliance Française National Coordinator at the French Embassy in Washington D.C.
2024 OFFICIAL SELECTIONBY AGE GROUP
4-6 YEARS OF AGE:
Athleticus, dir. Nicolas Deveaux, 2019
7-12 YEARS OF AGE:
Belle et Sébastien: Nouvelle génération, dir. Pierre Coré, 2022
13-15 YEARS OF AGE:
Interdit aux chiens et aux Italiens, dir. Alain Ughetto, 2021
16-18 YEARS OF AGE:
Animal, dir. Cyril Dion, 2021
PRESENTATIONS FOR FAMILIES
For the enjoyment of children and families, the Festival will once again present its public Festinema program featuring subtitled Frenchlanguage films, in conjunction with its broader offering of European films for youth.
FESTINEMA JUNIOR 2023 BY THE NUMBERS
6 French films with subtitles in Spanish
1,400+ participating students
20+ participating public & private schools
17 free screenings in cinemas
From left to right: Animal; Belle et Sébastien
CINE PASAJE
A unique offering of European films curated especially for universities and designed to develop critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. Launched during PREFF’s13th edition as part of an effort to bring the Festival to university students, the Cine Pasaje program offers curated European film programming to universities and other institutions of higher learning in the months before and after the Festival. In particular, this initiative pays special attention to the development of critical thinking skills, intercultural exchange, and language learning by using high quality European cinema.
Through its selection of films—presented in their original languages with subtitles in either Spanish or English—Cine Pasaje also offers the opportunity to promote informed discussions and interdisciplinary exchange on specific topics related to each individual film, such as history, ethics, social justice, and sustainability. Moreover, these cinematic events also serve as an opportunity for foreign language students to more deeply engage in their field of study in a social environment.
CONVERCINE, COURSES & MUCH MORE
Cinematic events throughout the entire year.
In addition to our core programs, FCEPR organizes and promotes many other film activities throughout the year, such as monthly Film Nights at the AFPR headquarters, specialized courses, publication of film reviews, and ConVerCine sessions for dialogue and exchange through film analysis. These events solidify PREFF’s place for networking, quality programming, and continuous learning through unreleased cinema in Puerto Rico.
CONVERCINE
Launched in 2023, the new ConVerCine initiative promotes specially curated film presentations to foster group dialogue and shared reflection . Through activities facilitated by Festival members, this program aims to spark important conversations through cinema.
COURSES
Hosted at the Alliance Française de Puerto Rico headquarters and/or in collaboration with other educational institutions, PREFF’s Film Courses offer a unique opportunity on the island to delve deeper, through guided group exchanges, into various aspects of lesser-known cinema, and the works of independent filmmakers
CONVERCINE & COURSES BY THE NUMBERS
5 ConVerCine sessions 25+ participants in each ConVerCine session
SPECIAL EVENTS & INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Outside the screening rooms, the Festival offers exclusive events and convivial receptions to be enjoyed by Festival participants.
The Festival’s rich cinematic programming takes a new dimensions, thanks to an assortment of special events and VIP receptions . Bringing together sponsors, partners, institutional representatives, media professionals, the special events programs provide a unique opportunity to connect with special guests.
For this 15th edition, the Festival is pleased to offer two special VIP events that will launch and close the official Festival week. Additional experiences may include special receptions in collaboration with Festival sponsors and European diplomatic partners.
OPENING NIGHT
VIP reception that kicks off the 15th Puerto Rico
European Film Festival, including an invitation-only cocktail party and presentation of a European film
November 13, 2024
Location to be confirmed
THEMATIC COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS
Presented by the AFPR, as well as European and local sponsors
November 14-20, 2024
Fine Arts Miramar
Opening Night cocktail reception at PREFF’s 14th edition in the Gran Salón Triple-S at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
AWARDS NIGHT
Closing ceremony, announcement of Cortadito 2023 winners, and reception
November 21, 2024
Alliance Française de Puerto Rico
SPECIAL GUESTS
In keeping with past editions, the Festival looks forwards to the special participation of at least 4 international and Puerto Rican guests —such as directors, actors, composers, and other industry insiders. In the interest of fostering dialogue and exchange, the Festival audience will have to the opportunity to meet and interact special guests in post-screening discussions held at the cinema, as well as during talks and special receptions.
Spanish director Rocío Mesa, one of the special guests in PREFF’s 14th edition in 2023
Cortadito 2023 winners: Natalia Vega Maisonave, Jeannice Mustafá, David Tayvee, Gabriela Acevedo, Adriana González-Vega, Surhail K. Navarro, Arturo Cardova, Esteban Ruiz González
FESTIVAL AUDIENCE
As San Juan’s premier cultural event bridging Europe and Puerto Rico, the Festival is a oneof-a-kind opportunity to connect with an influential public via its array of memorable cinema-related events. Over the years, PREFF has not only grown with the reach of its various programs, but also thanks to its faithful following.
AUDIENCE PROFILE
• A diverse, well-educated public with a penchant for international travel
• Established professionals and entrepreneurs
• The local creative class
• Local film and entertainment industry insiders
• Tastemakers and influencers from the San Juan metro area
• The academic community, including professors and university students
• Elementary and secondary school students (Festinema Junior)
• Seniors and expats with an interest in cultural and social events
5,000+ attendees
9 days of events & film screenings
900 attendees of VIP events
14,000 followers in social media
1,500+ subscribers to the PREFF newsletter
FESTIVAL VENUES
CARIBBEAN CINEMAS
For over a decade, the Festival has partnered with Caribbean Cinemas, the premier film presenter in the region, at its Fine Arts locations. For the 15th edition, the Festival will return to its traditional home at Fine Arts Miramar, one of the premier venues for European and independent cinema in San Juan. Thanks to a complementary program of talks and other events, Fine Arts Miramar is not just a screening venue but a meeting place for filmmakers, industry insiders, and avid cinephiles.
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE PUERTO RICO
The Alliance Française de Puerto Rico headquarters in Santurce is PREFF’s home. Throughout the Festival week, various meetings, seminars, and Forum Industry talks are held, in addition to special events like the Cortadito Awards Ceremony and monthly events like Noche de Cine (Film Night).
• Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
• Plazoleta de Popular Center
• Residence of the Consul General of Spain
• Universidad de Puerto Rico - Río Piedras campus
• Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
• Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico
• Piloto 151
• Casa de España
• Santurce Pop
Carine Delplanque, PhD
Executive Director, Alliance Française Puerto Rico directora@afpuertorico.org
Federico Olivieri, PhD
Executive Director, Puerto Rico European Film Festival folivieri.fce@afpuertorico.org
Álvaro Aponte Centeno
Artistic Director, Puerto Rico European Film Festival aapontecenteno.fce@afpuertorico.org
Website: festivaldecineeuropeo.com
Rosario
San Juan, PR 00911 1-787-722-3174 | info@afpuertorico.org | afpuertorico.org