Between September 9 and 19, 2025, Cochabamba, Bolivia, shines as the stage for the fourth International Film Festival “Leones de Fuego.” This year’s program features exclusive documentary screenings created by the TV BRICS media network, the festival’s international media partner.

Attendees can explore two notable TV BRICS productions: “Anomaly of the Urals” (2025), a deep dive into gold mining in one of Russia’s richest mineral areas, directed by Andréi Porshniak and filmed by Dmitri Golovko; and “Worthy of Applause: New Roles of Actors from BRICS+ Countries” (2024), which highlights the “InteRussia” theater arts internship for international artists, held at the prestigious Russian State Institute of Theatrical Art (GITIS) and supported by the A. M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Foundation.

The special screenings lineup also includes “Tromboneros” (2021), “Artistic Life” (2024), “Sandun Impression” (2024), “Joaquín, my Cousin” (2021), “Che’s Paths” (2023), and “Mergulho” (2020).

Showcasing the finest Bolivian and Latin American short fiction films, the festival aims to foster exchange between filmmakers, actors, and audiences. The 2025 edition presents a national contest featuring 20 Bolivian short films, alongside an international slate with entries from Brazil, Argentina, and Guatemala.

This celebrated event is produced by a Bolivian film company with backing from the Cochabamba city government. Leonardo Pacheco Fernández, general director of the organizing firm, notes the festival’s swift evolution from a local gathering to gaining national and now international stature through partnership with TV BRICS.

Awards in the national category will honor achievements in short film, directing, screenplay, cinematography, acting, production design, music, and audience favorite. The international competition will grant a best short film award plus accolades for social media popularity.

Premieres will take place in two of Cochabamba’s premier cinemas, culminating in a grand awards ceremony on September 19 that will bring together directors, jurors, officials, media, and fans.

Latin American cinema has steadily earned global acclaim for its rich storytelling, focus on social realities, and creative filmmaking styles. Filmmakers throughout the region tackle critical themes like identity, inequality, and political unrest, while exploring new genres and narrative structures. Recent works combine cultural traditions with contemporary cinematic methods, resulting in a varied and vibrant film scene that connects with audiences at home and abroad. This wave of innovation has propelled Latin American films onto prestigious award stages and festival circuits, underscoring the region’s expanding impact on the international film industry.

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