Argentine Drama 'Belén' to Headline the 46th Havana Film Festival

The Argentine film 'Belén,' directed by Dolores Fonzi, is set to inaugurate the program for the 46th International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana. This significant cinematic event kicks off today, December 4, 2025. The festival, a long-standing tradition held every December in Cuba's capital city, has been a vital platform for promoting cinema from Latin America and the Caribbean since its inception in 1979.

This selection marks a high point for 'Belén,' as the Argentine Cinematography Academy has put the film forward as the nation’s official entry for two major international accolades. Specifically, the movie will vie for the Best International Feature Film award at the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony. Furthermore, it is nominated for the Best Ibero-American Film prize at Spain's prestigious Goya Awards. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with nominations slated for announcement on January 22. Meanwhile, the 40th anniversary Goya Awards will be celebrated on February 28, 2026, in Barcelona.

The narrative of 'Belén' is rooted in real-life events, focusing on a young woman named Julieta. Following a miscarriage, she is wrongfully arrested and falsely accused of having an illegal abortion. Dolores Fonzi not only helmed the project from the director's chair but also took on a leading role, portraying the defense attorney. Her character engages in a direct confrontation with a deeply entrenched, conservative judicial system, finding crucial support among feminist organizations, thereby highlighting the intense social relevance of the film’s subject matter.

Critics within Argentina have already lauded 'Belén' for its compelling narrative strength. Its premiere at the Havana Film Festival—a dynamic cultural gathering—solidifies its standing as a potent symbol in the ongoing regional struggle for reproductive rights. The Havana Festival, managed by the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), consistently places a strong emphasis on exploring social issues and defining the identity of Latin American filmmaking.

By choosing 'Belén' to represent the country on the global stage, Argentina places it alongside other notable national contenders for the Oscar, such as Luis Puenzo’s 'The Official Story' and Juan José Campanella’s 'The Secret in Their Eyes,' both previous winners, as well as Santiago Mitre’s 'Argentina, 1985,' which secured a nomination in 2023. The film’s debut at the 46th edition of the Havana Festival—which features works completed in either 2024 or 2025—is a pivotal moment in the continental dialogue concerning rights and justice that cinema strives to foster. The festival, which bestows approximately 40 honors, including the coveted 'Gran Coral' award, continues its essential mission of championing the region’s unique cinematic identity.