UPDATE: The highly anticipated Ventana Sur 2025 is officially back in Buenos Aires, marking a significant milestone in the Latin American film industry. With a projected attendance surge of 30%, organizers expect 3,000 accredited participants, including 500 buyers and sales agents, compared to last year’s 2,300 in Montevideo.
The event, which runs from December 1 to December 4, 2025, is co-directed by prominent figures: Ralph Haiek, former president of INCAA, Guillaume Esmiol of Marché du Film, and Gisella Previtali, president of Uruguay’s ACAU. Haiek emphasizes the crucial role of Ventana Sur in navigating the film industry’s challenges, stating, “The film industry is undergoing a profound global shift… The INCAA views Ventana Sur 2025 as strategically essential.”
This year’s festival introduces exciting new sections, including the innovative VS Tech, which expands the former video-game segment and showcases 10 projects centered on emerging technological trends in film production and distribution. Another highlight is the WBD + Mundoloco CGI | Launchpad Series, aimed at developing regional animated series with international appeal.
The VS Animation! Pitching Sessions will feature seven feature films and seven series projects, alongside a selection of works-in-progress developed in collaboration with the esteemed Annecy festival. Additionally, VS Fantastic, formerly known as Blood Window, will unveil 13 projects focusing on genre films.
Haiek notes the importance of public support for the market, stating, “Sustained public support… drives skilled employment and generates foreign currency for the country.” This sentiment is echoed by ACAU’s Previtali, who highlights the collaborative strength of the region’s audiovisual ecosystem.
The event is not only a hub for film professionals but also a launching pad for future international successes. Notable films that debuted at Ventana Sur include David Casademunt’s acclaimed project, which later secured a worldwide release on Netflix, and Nelson Carlos de los Santos Arias’ award-winning feature, which garnered the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.
As the festival approaches, the excitement is palpable, with industry professionals eagerly anticipating new partnerships and opportunities. “The Montevideo experience was extremely positive,” Previtali adds, signaling a bright future for the region’s film industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as Ventana Sur 2025 unfolds, showcasing the vibrant potential of Latin American storytelling on a global stage.
