Peruvian cinema is making waves as it heads towards the Oscars 2025, with five productions vying for nominations, including feature films and short films. The official shortlist will be revealed on December 17.
Among the contenders, Yana-Wara, directed by Óscar and Tito Catacora, is Peru's official submission for Best International Feature Film. The film, which addresses themes of environmental respect and child abuse, has garnered significant acclaim, winning Best Peruvian Film at the Lima Festival and making a notable impact at the Málaga Film Festival.
In parallel, Reinas, a Swiss-Peruvian-Spanish co-production directed by Klaudia Reynicke, has been selected by Switzerland for the same category. Set in Peru during 1992, the film has received praise at international festivals like Berlin and Locarno for its empathetic portrayal of family tensions during turbulent times.
Critic Rodrigo Bedoya highlights the significance of having two Peruvian films competing for the same award, noting it reflects the growth and global impact of the national cinema.
Additionally, Frida, directed by Carla Gutiérrez, is a strong contender for Best Documentary, exploring the life of Frida Kahlo. Short films La Asistente and Ovejas y Lobos also stand out, having received accolades in U.S. festivals.
Critic Juan Carlos Ugarelli emphasizes that this year marks a historic moment for Peruvian cinema, showcasing diverse and high-quality proposals on the international stage.