“Abya Yala” means “living land” or “land that flourishes”, an expression from the Indigenous people of Colombia and Panama to describe the Americas. Its a term that has been taken up by the Latin American progressives to resist the colonial implications implicit in “Latin America” but it also connects North and South America as one territory. Abya Yala helps us with our aim of unity as well as deconstructing colonialism.
This inaugural festival will be based on 12 screenings over the course of 3 days. Film programmes will come from a combination of curated features from the best of recent Latin American cinema, as well as selected film from amongst online submission to AYFF (Abya Yala Film Festival) from Latin artists worldwide. Preference will be given to films whose themes are centered in Latin America, or to films by Latin-Canadian media artists living in Ontario. And also films by Latino-Canadian film students in Ontario.
In keeping with Latin culture, the festival will incorporate music and dance into the programme, showcasing Northern Ontario artists of Latin origin. The festival’s first night will open with a screening and follow with a dancing night; the Saturday screening will be followed by two musical performances, and the closing feature on Sunday will also include a musical performance.
AYFF will not only be a meeting place for the Latino community to connect with their stories, cultures, and languages, the film festival will also be an opportunity to meet with other communities living in Sudbury, to establish intercultural dialogue, to rejoice in the cultural diversity of this city, and to allow us to get to know each other and come together through film and the reflections it generates.
This year, the Frames and Frequencies collective, integrated of artists Cecilia Rodriguez, Ali Rodriguez, and Emilce Quevedo, have come together to celebrate the first Latin American Film Festival called Abya Yala, which will be held from October 3 to 5 with 12 films, 6 feature films, and 6 short films, including fiction, documentary, and experimental films from Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico.
This year at the Festival we will have two local artists, Cecilia Rodriguez and Michelle Rodriguez, talking about their short films with the audience, an online talk on Migration – a topic that interests us all – and from Toronto, Ricardo Acosta, editor and co-writer of one of the feature-length documentaries to be screened at the Abya Yala festival, will come to talking with the audience and with which he won the Best Editing in Documentary Feature award from the Canadian Cinema Editors (CCE) in 2024.
Our program will also include a film subtitled in French and a concert with songs in Spanish by talented and prominent local artists: Patricia Cano and Jessica Lloyd, accompanied by the guitarist Kevin Barrett, Hailing from Toronto, Barrett has cultivated an impressive reputation in the world of jazz and popular music over the past three decades, serving as a guitarist, producer, musical director, and composer.
Screenings take place at Sudbury Indie Cinema- 162 Mackenzie St. Laneway/side entrance. Free parking and bike racks!
dir. Marianela Maldonado
Ontario Premiere
2022 | Venezuela | 82 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
Nomination for Best Latin American Film at the Premios Goya 2025, nomination for Best International Film at Oscar 2025
Screenings Sheffield DocFest, DOC NYC
Friday, October 3rd – 6:30 pm
Q&A following the film with co-writer Ricardo Acosta, recipient of the award for Best Editor of Documentary feature, for the film Niños de Las Brisas, alongside Mike Magidson at the Canadian Cinema Editors Awards (2024).
ENG.
The documentary follows three Venezuelan children from the impoverished Las Brisas neighborhood, in their quest to become professional musicians within the ranks of “El Sistema” music program.
Throughout a decade, Edixon, Dissandra and Wuilly try to achieve a better future as they face the great challenges of the country’s dire situation. The Venezuelan crisis makes it impossible for them to accomplish their dreams and in their struggle, they represent a society taken over by an autocratic regime. Children of Las Brisas is a story of resistance, resilience and perseverance that explores the power of discipline and classical music as tools for survival.
ESP.
Niños de Las Brisas sigue a tres niños venezolanos del empobrecido barrio de Las Brisas, en su búsqueda por convertirse en músicos profesionales dentro de las filas del programa musical “El Sistema”.
A lo largo de una década, Edixon, Dissandra y Wuilly no se rinden en sus intentos por alcanzar un mejor porvenir y, a través de sus miradas, se esboza el retrato de un país tomado por un régimen dictatorial.
Es una historia de resistencia, resiliencia y perseverancia que explora el poder de la disciplina y la música clásica como herramientas para la supervivencia.
dir. Lina Rodríguez
Northern Ontario Premiere
2022 | Colombia – Canada | 68 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
Screenings: Berlin International Film Festival – Forum, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
Saturday October 4th – 1pm
ENG.
A poetic reflection on the fluid nature of identity, Mis dos voces focuses on Ana, Claudia, and Marinela, three Latin American women who share their intimate experiences of immigrating to Canada while reflecting on themes of violence, belonging, motherhood, and reconciliation. Weaving together carefully framed close-ups of hands and faces with contemplative images of private and public spaces against a richly layered soundscape, the film creates an impressionistic tapestry that resists a centralized perspective and echoes the protagonists’ fragmented and hybrid identities.
SPAN.
Mis dos voces, una reflexión poética sobre la naturaleza fluida de la identidad, se centra en Ana, Claudia y Marinela, tres mujeres latinoamericanas quienes comparten sus experiencias íntimas de inmigración a Canadá, al tiempo que reflexionan sobre temáticas de violencia, pertenencia, maternidad y reconciliación. Entrelazando primeros planos cuidadosamente encuadrados de manos y rostros con imágenes contemplativas de espacios públicos y privados sobre un paisaje sonoro de múltiples capas, la película crea un tapiz impresionista que se resiste a una perspectiva centralizada y hace eco de las identidades fragmentadas e híbridas de las protagonistas.
dir. Santiago Mitre
Northern Ontario Premiere
2022 | Argentina | 140 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
Oscar nomination for Best International Film
Goya Award for Best Latin American Film 2023
Saturday October 4th – 3pm
ENG.
The true story of how a public prosecutor, a young lawyer, and their inexperienced legal team dared to prosecute the heads of Argentina’s bloody military dictatorship. Argentina, 1985 is a feature inspired by the true story of Julio Strassera, Luis Moreno Ocampo and their young legal team of unlikely heroes in their David-vs-Goliath battle in which, under constant threat, they dared to prosecute Argentina’s bloodiest military dictatorship against all odds and in a race against time to bring justice to the victims of the junta.
SPAN.
Argentina, 1985 está inspirada en la historia real de Julio Strassera, Luis Moreno Ocampo y su joven equipo jurídico que se atrevieron a acusar, contra viento y marea, a contrarreloj y bajo constante amenaza, a la más sangrienta dictadura militar argentina; para hacer justicia a las víctimas de la Junta. Una batalla de David contra Goliat, con los héroes menos esperados.
dir. Pierre Saint Martin Castellanos
Northern Ontario Premiere
2024 | Mexico | 99 min.| Spanish with English subtitles
15 nominations at the Ariel Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading Role (2025).
Cinélatino Rencontres de Toulouse (Awards: PRIX CCAS DE LA FICTION – PRIX DES ÉLECTRICIENS GAZIERS, PRIX SFCC DE LA CRITIQUE, PRIX LYCÉEN DE LA FICTION)
Saturday October 4th – 7pm
ENG.
Socorro (67) is a stubborn lawyer in the twilight of her life obsessed with the idea of finding the soldier that killed her brother back in 1968 during the infamous “Tlatelolco massacre”. This obsession has affected her relationship with her sister Esperanza (70) and her son Jorge (45). Suddenly, she receives the missing clue to locate the military man and decides to carry out an absurd operation to avenge the death of her brother risking her legacy, her family, and her own life.
SPAN.
Socorro (67) es una testaruda abogada obsesionada con encontrar al soldado que mató a su hermano durante la masacre estudiantil de 1968 en Tlatelolco, Ciudad de México. Esta necesidad de justicia enmascara una antigua culpa que la ha enemistado con su hermana Esperanza (70) y su hijo Jorge (45). Después de décadas de espera, recibe la pista faltante para encontrar al soldado, lo que la lleva a conjurar un absurdo plan de venganza poniendo en riesgo su patrimonio, su familia, e incluso su vida.
dir. Mauricio Albornoz Iniesta
Ontario Premiere
2024 | Argentine – Allemagne – Colombie | 93 min. | Espagnol avec sous-titres en français (Spanish with French subtitles)
7 prix internationaux / 7 wins
33ª Festival de Biarritz Cinéma Et Cultures D’Amérique Latine (Francia)
Public’s Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature, Honorable Mention from the Jury.
Ontario Premiere
Dimanche 5 octobre – 14h/Sunday October 5th – 2pm
FR.
Dans une ville rurale d’Argentine, Ramiro Lezcano, professeur de musique, découvre que la pulvérisation de pesticides à proximité des écoles menace la santé de ses élèves. Avec eux, il écrit des chansons pour sensibiliser le public, mais se heurte à une certaine résistance. Déterminé à diffuser son message, il organise un « Woodstock environnemental » afin d’amplifier sa musique et son combat, et de toucher le plus grand nombre de personnes possible.
ENG.
In a rural town in Argentina, music teacher Ramiro Lezcano discovers that nearby pesticide spraying threatens the health of his students. Along with his students, he writes songs to raise awareness, but faces resistance. Determined to spread his message, he organizes an “environmental Woodstock” to amplify his music and fight, reaching as many people as possible.
SPAN.
En un pueblo rural de Argentina, Ramiro Lezcano, un maestro de música, descubre que las fumigaciones cercanas a las escuelas ponen en riesgo la salud de sus alumnos. Junto a ellos, compone canciones para denunciar esta tragedia, pero se enfrenta a una feroz resistencia. Decidido a llevar su mensaje más lejos, intenta organizar un “Woodstock ambiental” en pleno campo, donde su música y su lucha puedan resonar con fuerza y llegar a todos.
dir. Klaudia Reynicke
2024 | Switzerland, Peru, Spain | 104 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
Festival of Berlin 2024 – Selected Best Feature Film in the Generation KPlus category. Locarno Film Festival 2024 – Public’s Choice Award. Sundance Festival 2024 – Official Selection
Sunday October 5th – 4pm
ENG.
Amidst the sociopolitical and economic crisis of 1990s Lima, Perú, travel agent Elena wants to move her daughters Lucia and Aurora to Minnesota for a safer life, but needs their absentee father “El Loco” Carlos to sign their travel documents. When the charismatic Carlos rolls up in his beat-up taxi car, spinning tall tales about his multi-hyphenate profession (actor, crocodile hunter, secret government agent), his daughters, who he affectionately calls his “Reinas,” barely remember him. With but a brief window before the girls are relocated, Carlos tries to make up for lost time.
SPAN.
Perú, años 90. Con una situación política muy convulsa y los militares controlando las calles, dos hermanas adolescentes y su madre están a punto de abandonar el país en busca de una vida mejor. Para ello necesitan la autorización de su padre. Mientras la consiguen, nace una inesperada y única relación entre las niñas y su padre que les hará plantearse a todos cuál es la mejor vida por la que hay que luchar.
Full short film programming: Sunday, October 5th – 11:30 AM
Total run time 55:26 minutes
dir. Michelle Rodríguez
Ontario Premiere
2020 | Colombia | 10:14 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
ENG.
Elvia is a retired Colombian soldier who dedicated her entire life to serving her country. Now, her days are quiet and lonely, with only her beloved television for company, at home or selling coffee on the streets of Bogotá. When the television suddenly breaks, Elvia clings to it as her last consolation, trying her best to fix it. But instead of help, she is met with rejection and indifference, and slowly realizes how invisible she has become in the city she once defended.
SPAN.
Elvia es una soldado colombiana jubilada que dedicó toda su vida al servicio de su país. Ahora, su oficio es vender café en las calles de Bogotá, sus días son tranquilos y solitarios, su única compañía es su querida televisión. Cuando la televisión se rompe de repente, Elvia se aferra a ella como su último consuelo, haciendo todo lo posible por arreglarla. Pero en lugar de ayuda, se encuentra con rechazo e indiferencia, y poco a poco se da cuenta de lo invisible que se ha vuelto en la ciudad que una vez defendió.
dir. Cecilia Rodríguez Beaudoin
Ontario Premiere
2016 | Mexico | 11:28 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
ENG.
This documentary tells the story of a traditional hand-made paper from Mexico; amate paper. This paper-making tradition was born in Mexico more than 800 years ago by the Otomis, an important indigenous group in Mexico. Today, it not only has great cultural importance but also market value, as many artists and scholars have recognized its unique cultural qualities. José Angel Rodríguez, photographer for more than 30 years, demonstrates how he developed a technique to print photographs on amate paper using palladium.
SPAN.
Este documental cuenta la historia de un papel tradicional hecho a mano en México: el papel amate. Esta tradición de producción de papel nació hace más de 800 años de la mano de los Otomí, un grupo indígena importante de México. Hoy en día, no sólo tiene una gran importancia cultural, sino también un gran valor comercial, ya que muchos artistas y académicos han reconocido sus cualidades culturales únicas. José Ángel Rodríguez, fotógrafo desde hace más de 30 años, muestra cómo desarrolló una técnica para imprimir fotografías en papel amate utilizando paladio.
dir. Ilse Moreno
Northern Ontario Premiere
2024 | Canada | 9 min. | Spanish with English subtitles
Official selection Hot Docs 2024
ENG.
A migrant farmer’s quest for a better life in Canada unfolds through his own words and from his daughter’s perspective in this poignant family portrait. The film exposes the harsh exploitation and dismal working conditions Ontario’s migrant farm workers endure, while at the same time celebrating the resilience of the human spirit as it is manifested in one man’s battle for justice.
SPAN.
Un agricultor migrante en busca de una vida mejor en Canadá, narra su historia a través de sus propias palabras y la perspectiva de su hija en este conmovedor retrato familiar. La película expone la dura explotación y las terribles condiciones laborales que soportan los trabajadores agrícolas migrantes en Ontario, mientras celebra la resiliencia del espíritu humano, manifestada en la lucha de un hombre por la justicia.
dir. Francisca Rojas, Ruben Chavez Muñoz & Esteban Powell Suárez
Northern Ontario Premiere
2024 | Canada | 10:14 min.| English, Spanish with English subtitles
ENG.
“Semillas” is a dual-screen documentary that delves into the lives of the “1.5” generation – those who were uprooted in their formative years and have since found ways to root themselves in new environments while keeping strong ties to their homeland. Through the stories of Veronica, Francisca, and Josue, the film explores the stages of transplantation: ‘uprooting,’ ‘transplant shock,’ and ‘seed dispersal.’
SPAN.
“Semillas” es un documental de doble pantalla que se adentra en la vida de la generación “1.5”: aquellos que fueron desarraigados en sus años de formación y que, desde entonces, han encontrado la manera de arraigarse en nuevos entornos, manteniendo fuertes lazos con su tierra natal. A través de las historias de Verónica, Francisca y Josué, el cortometraje explora las etapas del trasplante: el desarraigo, el “shock” del trasplante y la dispersión de las semillas.
dir. Moara Passoni
Canadian Premiere
2024 | Brazil | 15 min. | Portuguese with English subtitles
World Premiere Venezia 81, Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica – Orizzonti Short Films Competition 2024, Italy
ENG.
Left in her aunt’s care on a family ranch at the edge of the burning Brazilian wetland, 12-year-old Mia is desperate for the touch of her mother’s love – but in this volatile natural world, with the impending threat of a deadly Jaguar consuming the family, love comes in unexpected form.
SPAN.
Dejada al cuidado de su tía en un rancho familiar al borde del ardiente humedal brasileño, Mia, de 12 años, está desesperada por sentir el amor de su madre, pero en este volátil mundo natural, con la amenaza inminente de un jaguar mortal que consume a la familia, el amor llega de forma inesperada.
Friday October 3rd – 9:00 pm, Free Entry
ENG.
Come get a move on with us and Latin dance instructor, Zoi Monroy!
Over eighteen years ago, Zoi immigrated to Canada from Venezuela to begin an exciting new journey filled with endless opportunities. Over the past nine years of living in Sudbury, she has been successful in establishing three businesses across various industries, one of which is -Teaching Salsa Lessons. She is the only Salsa dancer who teaches Salsa and Bachata style dancing in Sudbury. She empowers people through dancing because she believes no matter what age, gender or cultural background, dancing is a universal language people can share together and find their inner power to express themselves.
SPAN.
Ven a mover un poco los huesos con nosotros, y la maestra de baile latino, Zoi Monroy!
Hace más de dieciocho años, Zoi emigró a Canadá desde Venezuela para comenzar una nueva y emocionante aventura llena de infinitas oportunidades. Durante los últimos nueve años que lleva viviendo en Sudbury, ha logrado establecer con éxito tres negocios en diversos sectores, uno de los cuales es la enseñanza de clases de salsa. Es la única bailarina de salsa que enseña salsa y bachata en Sudbury. Empodera a las personas a través del baile porque cree que, independientemente de la edad, el género o el origen cultural, el baile es un lenguaje universal que las personas pueden compartir y que les permite encontrar su fuerza interior para expresarse.
Saturday October 4th – 9 pm
AUREL: Biografía / Biography
ENG.
Aurel has been seamlessly blending piano and poetry since the release of her debut EP, “Piano Sessions en el Naufragio,” in 2021. Her understated voice gives the impression that you have known her for a long time, like a childhood friend. Her carefully placed piano chords resonate like the sparkling depths of water. Her lyrics paint landscapes that are both distant and familiar, evoking feelings that are both familiar and exotic. Cecilia-Aurel Rodriguez-Beaudoin feels equally at home in Canada and Mexico.
SPAN.
Aurel ha estado combinando a la perfección el piano y la poesía desde el lanzamiento de su primer EP, «Piano Sessions en el Naufragio», en 2021. Su voz discreta da la impresión de que la conoces desde hace mucho tiempo, como a una amiga de toda la vida. Sus acordes de piano, cuidadosamente colocados, resuenan como las profundidades del agua. Sus letras pintan paisajes que son a la vez lejanos y familiares, evocando sentimientos exóticos e íntimos. Cecilia-Aurel Rodríguez-Beaudoin se siente igual de cómoda y en casa, tanto en Canadá como en México.
Emilio Portal: Biografía / Biography
ENG.
Emilio Portal is a multidisciplinary artist of French-Irish-Peruvian heritage whose work with sound, light, and installation explores decolonialism, spiritual ecology, and the unknown. His projects have been presented across Canada and internationally, with recent works like eau bénite and Magnetism featuring deep collaborations with Northern Ontario artists. Based in Sudbury, he also works at the McEwen School of Architecture, where he continues to blend the experimental with the elemental.
SPAN.
Emilio Portal es un artista multidisciplinario de ascendencia francesa, irlandesa y peruana cuyo trabajo con el sonido, la luz y las instalaciones explora el descolonialismo, la ecología espiritual y lo desconocido. Sus proyectos se han presentado en todo Canadá y a nivel internacional, con obras recientes como eau bénite y Magnetism, en las que ha colaborado estrechamente con artistas del norte de Ontario. Afincado en Sudbury, también trabaja en la Escuela de Arquitectura McEwen, donde sigue combinando lo experimental con lo elemental.
Sunday October 5th- 6 pm
Biografía / Biography
Jessica Lloyd, Patricia Cano, and Kevin Barrett are renowned for world-class artistry across classical, world, and contemporary music. Their unique voices and masterful musicianship distinguish them on national and international stages.
Together Lloyd, Cano & Barrett form a rich tapestry of musical expression rooted in collaboration, cultural fusion, and artistic excellence.
Jessica Lloyd is a genre-crossing vocalist equally at home in opera houses, concert halls, studio sessions, and nightclubs. She has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. A Grammy-nominated artist with the Elora Festival Singers, Jessica has spent the last ten years collaborating with multi-instrumentalist and composer, Louis Simão, exploring the musical
traditions of the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking worlds. When she is not performing, Jessica is a music teacher in the Rainbow District School Board.
Patricia Cano is a Peruvian-Canadian singer-songwriter and actress known for multilingual performances in Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Cree. She has toured globally with Cree Canadian literary giant Tomson Highway, winning the Toronto Theatre Critics Award for
Best Actress in a Musical for The (Post) Mistress. Her solo albums This is the New World and Madre Amiga Hermana, along with collaborations like her EP with multi-instrumentalist and composer Louis Simão entitled The Love & Resistance Sessions, reflect her passion for musical
storytelling. When she is not performing, Patricia works as a supply teacher for Sudbury’sEnglish and French-language school boards.
Kevin Barrett, based in Toronto’s Kensington Market, has worked as a freelance guitarist, producer, musical director and composer for over 30 years. Kevin is known as a passionate soloist, a first-rate accompanist, and a versatile and creative side musician who has worked with a long list of renowned performers, including Patricia Cano, Molly Johnson, Lillian Allen, Kellylee Evans, Julie Michels and the Stratford Festival.