Argentine cinema is recognized and celebrated worldwide, as is the technical excellence of its filmmakers, who have long worked under challenging conditions. However, in Argentina, there is a long-standing prejudice against local cinema. While it shines at prestigious international festivals, it often struggles to find the same level of reception among the broader domestic audience. The lack of enforcement of the Film Law (Law 17.741) in recent years, particularly the screen quota requirement, has not helped promote it.
Of course, there are exceptions, such as the Oscar-winning The Secret in Their Eyes by Juan José Campanella or Argentina, 1985 by Santiago Mitre. But overall, there is a lack of awareness, leaving masterpieces like Damián Szifron’s On Probation, Natalia Meta’s The Intruder, or Demián Rugna’s When Evil Lurks to go largely unnoticed outside cinephile circles. And let’s not forget remarkable Argentine documentaries such as The Lost Republic by Miguel Pérez, Theatre of War by Lola Arias, Splinters by Natalia Garayalde, or After a Good Day by Néstor Frenkel.
The popular perception persists that Argentine films are slow and dull—a tired stereotype that has solidified into a general narrative. But national cinema is more than entertainment. It builds identity and fosters belonging. It is a mirror of our society, the collective memory of our history, and an expression of our voices. Each film
captures unique contexts, challenges, and values, from social struggles to traditions, reflecting the diverse realities of this vast country. Ignoring it means disregarding the stories that belong to us, the voices that represent us, and the narratives that connect us to our identity. We forfeit a powerful tool for questioning, reflecting, and dialoguing about who we are and who we aspire to become.
The Impact of Eliminating the Screen Quota
The screen quota, eliminated in 2024 by President Javier Milei through Decree 662/2024, was a mechanism that required a minimum percentage of films shown in theaters to be domestic productions. The National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) was responsible for ensuring compliance. This policy was vital in guaranteeing that Argentine films had a presence on commercial cinema screens. Its removal paves the way for the free market, allowing major foreign production companies with massive budgets to dominate the screens, leaving national films with fewer opportunities for visibility.
Where Can You Watch Argentine Cinema?
From home, platforms like Cine.ar Play, Octubre TV, or Flixxo—many of them free—offer access to local films. Even major international platforms feature Argentine productions in their catalogs. However, nothing compares to the ritual of watching a movie in a theater. There is something almost ceremonial about this collective yet solitary act, where, immersed in silence, we lose ourselves in the spell of the big screen.
Some Argentine films manage to secure organic releases in commercial theaters, like the Oscar contender The Jockey by Luis Ortega. Another option is independent theaters, such as the Lorca, Gaumont, Malba, and Cine York, which remain committed to showcasing our cinema.
Festivals also offer a great opportunity to explore auteur cinema with contemporary themes. Each festival, often held annually, provides a curated selection based on a specific region, theme, or genre. To discover the country’s most significant film festivals, check out resources like INCAA or GPS Audiovisual. Here are some highlights, along with their dates and themes:
● BAFICI (Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema): Held annually in April in Buenos Aires, it is one of the most important and distinctive festivals in the region. In its latest edition, it celebrated its 25th
anniversary with 500 screenings across 13 venues. A platform for innovative, offbeat works.
● La Mujer y el Cine: Since 1988, this festival has been a key platform for highlighting and celebrating women’s contributions to the film industry.
● Festival Internacional de Cine de las Alturas (International Film Festival of the Heights): Dedicated to Andean culture, this May festival celebrates the identity shaped by the Andes Mountains, as director Daniel Desaloms says: “Vastness and spirituality unite us—through nature, music, food, language, and art. Our cinema makes us Andean.”
● Asterisco Festival: Held in October, it has become a regional benchmark for films exploring LGBTQIA+ themes. Its
programming promotes diverse perspectives on identity and gender.
● BARS (Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre): The oldest fantasy film festival in Latin America, BARS has fostered a generation of filmmakers who’ve elevated Argentine horror.
● Mar del Plata International Film Festival: Despite controversies surrounding the 2024 edition, it remains one of
the most prestigious festivals in Latin America and the only one with Class A accreditation.
● FICER (Entre Ríos International Film Festival): The sixth edition, held in Paraná, is a must-attend cultural event in the region, featuring competitive sections, international films, and regional audiovisual markets.
These festivals are more than showcases; they’re incubators for projects and platforms for launching careers. Filmmakers find ideal environments for networking, sharing methodologies, and fostering creativity. Many festivals also offer workshops, lectures, and industry roundtables, providing participants with tools to professionalize their craft.
Markets: Opportunities for Growth
Film markets offer industry professionals spaces to negotiate, buy, sell, and promote content. These events connect producers, distributors, sales agents, and programmers. From Cannes’ Marché du Film to Argentina’s Ventana Sur (relocated to Montevideo in its latest edition), these markets provide vital opportunities for financing, distribution, and strategic alliances.
Protecting Our Stories
In a globalized world, watching Argentine cinema isn’t just cultural consumption; it’s an act of resistance against the homogenization of narratives imposed by the global industry.
Supporting these spaces is, ultimately, a way to preserve and strengthen our collective identity.