The Cuban feature film Neurótica Anónima has been included in the Official Selection of the Málaga Film Festival, standing out among 263 audiovisual works from over 40 countries. The announcement was made during a press conference by Alexis Triana, President of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), who highlighted the significance of the achievement for Cuban cinema.

Conceived by director Jorge Perugorría as “a dress tailored to Mirta Ibarra,” the film has ultimately become a tribute crafted to fit Cuban cinema itself. Its selection for the prestigious Spanish festival underscores both its artistic merit and its cultural resonance.

Regarding the event, which will take place from March 6 to 15, Perugorría expressed his enthusiasm: “We are very happy, because Málaga has become one of the most important festivals in Spain and in Ibero-America. It is truly a festival that has grown and undergone an impressive evolution. It is difficult to be among the ten films in official competition, because there are high-quality films from all over Ibero-America. For us, just being there, representing Cuban cinema, is already a source of happiness.”

Mirta Ibarra also shared her satisfaction: “For our entire cast, it is a great joy, as Pichi was saying, to be among the ten selected films. We were concerned because, although it was very successful here, it contains many distinctly Cuban elements. We worried that a European audience might not connect with the jokes and cultural nuances, but it seems they will appreciate and understand it. I am truly very happy.”

Perugorría, widely recognized for his work in landmark productions such as Fresa y Chocolate, noted the festival’s evolution: “It originally emerged to promote and give visibility to Spanish cinema, and later expanded to create space for Ibero-American film. It has played an important role in showcasing what is being produced in our countries.”

The director also reflected on a personal milestone linked to the festival: “At that festival in 2011, Vladimir Cruz and I premiered Afinidades. We were two actors presenting a film as directors for the first time. It was a very special screening, marked by our timidity as actors stepping into directing. Returning 15 years later with Neurótica makes me very happy.”

In addition to competing in the Official Selection, the film will inaugurate the newly created Latinoamericanos section, which is being introduced for the first time at the Málaga Film Festival. It will be screened in two of the event’s most prominent venues.

Perugorría emphasized the film’s broader message: “It is a film that defends cinema and the way we appreciate that almost mystical experience of a movie theater as a sanctuary. It is also an ensemble film, with many characters, including renowned actors who appear briefly. It was a way to contribute to this defense of cinema. It is a film made by actors defending something they love — cinema itself. Even symbolic appearances by figures such as Vinicio del Toro, Vladimir Cruz, and Carlos Enrique represent their desire to lend their voice to this defense of film.”

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff