The 10th edition of the International Film Festival of Guayaquil concluded on October 4, 2024, celebrating Ecuador's cinema with three prestigious awards. Notably, Ecuador emerged as the most awarded country, sharing the spotlight with Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina.
A highlight was the short film Mamá no quiere ir a la playa by Ana Belén Barragán, which won the Best Fiction Short Film award. This poignant narrative explores the journey of a transgender mother and her daughter as they navigate personal transformations and societal fears.
Another accolade went to César Cárdenas for his documentary short Surcos, which won Best Documentary Short Film. The film pays tribute to the wisdom of grandmothers, showcasing their efforts to reclaim lost cultural heritage through memory and traditional knowledge.
Additionally, Jorge Bolaños's Dinamita received special recognition as the Best Guayaquil Short Film, blending comedy and drama in a story about friendship and wrestling aspirations.
In the feature film category, the Golden Iguana went to Milonga, a co-production from Uruguay and Argentina, directed by Laura González, which tells the story of a woman rediscovering herself through tango after her husband's death.
The festival also recognized the Mexican documentary La mujer de estrellas y montañas by Santiago Esteinou as Best Documentary Feature.