The discourse surrounding women's contributions to genre cinema and the dynamic landscape of Latin American fantastic films was a central theme at a recent industry gathering. Monica Garcia, representing the esteemed Sitges Film Festival, engaged in a panel discussion at the Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM) alongside Morbido CEO Pablo Guisa and Mexican director Luis Javier Henaine. Their conversation delved into the current status of genre filmmaking across Latin America and the notable increase in female directors entering this specialized field, despite enduring obstacles.
Sitges Film Festival Advocates for Women in Genre Cinema at Costa Rica Media Market
On July 17, 2026, at the Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM), Monica Garcia, the director general of the Sitges Film Festival, revealed compelling statistics regarding the involvement of female genre directors. Since the launch of the WomanInFan initiative six years prior, the representation of women in this cinematic niche at Sitges has surged from a mere 6% to approximately 30%. This significant progress underscores the potential impact of the newly established WomanInFan LatAm program, which was formally announced during the event.
Garcia’s remarks were made during a panel that included Pablo Guisa, CEO of Morbido, and Mexican filmmaker Luis Javier Henaine, known for his work on “Disappear Completely.” The discussion highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women in genre filmmaking, which Garcia illustrated with anecdotes from a documentary she directed. This film featured testimonials from women in the industry, including Katharina Kubrick, daughter of the legendary Stanley Kubrick, all of whom spoke about the marginalization and difficulties they encountered regardless of generational divides.
Guisa elaborated on the unique connection between Spanish and Latin American genre cinema, noting their shared Judeo-Christian heritage and cultural narratives, which provide a fertile ground for fantastic storytelling. He emphasized Latin America's inherent imaginative qualities, making it a powerful platform for diverse ideas. Garcia further supported this by referencing the remarkable success of Demián Rugna’s “When Evil Lurks” from Argentina, which garnered the Best Feature Film award at the 2023 Sitges Film Festival, marking a historic win for Latin American cinema. Henaine, whose film has been lauded as a significant horror contribution from Mexico, shared insights into the commonalities between comedy and horror, both requiring a deep understanding of human emotion to elicit genuine audience reactions.
The panelists concluded by stressing the importance of continuity for filmmakers, especially women, in the genre space. Garcia expressed anticipation for new works from talents like Issa López and Laura Casabé, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to supporting these creators. The Costa Rica Media Market, held from July 14-15, served as a crucial platform for these vital discussions.
This insightful exchange at the Costa Rica Media Market truly illuminated the evolving landscape of genre cinema. It's inspiring to see the Sitges Film Festival actively championing diversity, particularly the increased representation of women, in a field traditionally dominated by men. The discussion also underscored the rich, untapped potential within Latin American storytelling, proving that cultural heritage can be a profound wellspring for creative expression. As the industry continues to grow and diversify, nurturing new talents and fostering inclusive environments will undoubtedly lead to even more groundbreaking and resonant films.
