Daniel Yafalián

Nieves is my oldest neighbor, in every way. He has just turned 90 and for a long time we have lived next to each other, balcony to balcony, in the Old City of Montevideo. I thought I knew her. During the confinement of 2020, filming her with my cell phone and trying to keep a distance of two meters, I discovered a woman undone in light and blooming in stars.

The story of an unfinished documentary about Alfredo Zitarrosa and that of his director, Francisco "Papico" Cibils.

When I became deaf at the age of 23, I decided to get a cochlear implant. As I began to regain my memories of lost sounds, I asked myself: How does someone who doesn't hear listen?

Between 1950 and 1952, the Uruguayan essayist, critic and writer José Pedro Díaz created a film diary with images that display a range of diverse interests: social observation, the portrait of the artistic-intellectual community in Europe and a look at domestic cinema from travels, portraying his wife, the poet Amanda Berenguer. As a perfect complement he also had a literary diary. Both form a unique testimonial chronicle: how to read the script and see what was filmed. This documentary deals with that lesser-known area of Díaz's work.

Between 1950 and 1952, the Uruguayan essayist, critic and writer José Pedro Díaz created a film diary with images that display a range of diverse interests: social observation, the portrait of the artistic-intellectual community in Europe and a look at domestic cinema from travels, portraying his wife, the poet Amanda Berenguer. As a perfect complement he also had a literary diary. Both form a unique testimonial chronicle: how to read the script and see what was filmed. This documentary deals with that lesser-known area of Díaz's work.

Hilda must be responsible of a decision that she took long time ago. Her life is altered by the news that her son is coming to visit her after several years away. She tries to replenish her weathered image by the passage of time. This will stir her reality and her link with the past.

From found footage and using the natural deterioration, scratches, fungus and noises of the original material, the different layers of sound, music, text and their interaction with the image raise questions about the idea of nation, identity and the passage of time.

Love story between a hopeless woman and the one that saves her, united by camaraderie, solidarity, and complicity.

The work of the coffee vendors is a fundamental part of the Mercado Modelo, the main center of commerce and storage of food in Montevideo. Following its move to the outskirts of the city, the Market made headlines for several months. However, these workers did not appear in any media reports. This documentary short seeks to give them a space and a voice so we can listen to the valuable things they have to say.

Act of Violence Upon a Young Journalist is a film shot in 1988 and released on VHS in 1989; a mysterious cult work of Uruguayan cinema surrounded by strange theories about Manuel Lamas, its unknown creator. Until now.

Act of Violence Upon a Young Journalist is a film shot in 1988 and released on VHS in 1989; a mysterious cult work of Uruguayan cinema surrounded by strange theories about Manuel Lamas, its unknown creator. Until now.

Act of Violence Upon a Young Journalist is a film shot in 1988 and released on VHS in 1989; a mysterious cult work of Uruguayan cinema surrounded by strange theories about Manuel Lamas, its unknown creator. Until now.

Through the years and from a very intimated point of view, this is the story of the adaptation process of two Syrian refugee's families to a faraway country called Uruguay, they completely disown.

Juan tries to rescue Ulises from oblivion by showing his latest paintings, which have been hidden for 20 years. A documentary that is also a love story between two free men and that marks the debut as a director of Sergio de León.

Biographical portrait of the labor movement and left wing movement in Uruguay, "Conversations with Turiansky" combines two stories. The first portrays the son of immigrants, the engineer passionate about the mystery of electricity, the man in love, the movie buff. The other places the protagonist in his time: union struggles, the advance of authoritarianism, prison and the challenges of the present. In both are present the lucidity, commitment, discreet tenderness and humor of Wladimir Turiansky.

Federico Veiroj’s fourth feature examines the many, often contradictory layers that make up one’s persona, in this case, a single dad and acclaimed artist who must learn to balance family with creativity.

A ship, fifteen men, the river. A sensory film, a journey towards introspection. A portrait of loneliness, labour and absence, on board this floating society trapped in time. Could it be the reflection of our own « life on board »?

A ship, fifteen men, the river. A sensory film, a journey towards introspection. A portrait of loneliness, labour and absence, on board this floating society trapped in time. Could it be the reflection of our own « life on board »?

A ship, fifteen men, the river. A sensory film, a journey towards introspection. A portrait of loneliness, labour and absence, on board this floating society trapped in time. Could it be the reflection of our own « life on board »?

An emotional visual portrait starring fans of the most important melodic singer-songwriter that Uruguay had, the founder and leader of Los Iracundos, Eduardo Franco.

One needn’t be a cynic to recognize that a politician’s persona is very much a designed thing, the product of various minds—and various agendas. Martín Marchand, the titular character, radiates charisma, intelligence and commitment—attributes that seem set to win Marchand his country’s highest office. But as his team of advisers and creatives assemble at his country home to devise campaign strategies, it appears that not everyone present agrees that a Marchand presidency is a foregone conclusion.

Miguel Ángel García Mazziotti, a Río de la Plata's decadent showbiz gay figure, receives the visit of his daughter Virginia, of whom he has been distanced for years. "The Fat", as everybody calls him in Punta del Este, openly rejects her visit, but when realizes will become a grandfather he can't help getting thrilled and celebrate Virginia's happiness. As a result they share a real familiar weekend that, as many families, to be happy it has to be fake.

This is a documentary film about a stilt village in the middle of Santa Marta's Marsh, and the passion pushing its inhabitants to build, on the water, a soccer field.

This is a documentary film about a stilt village in the middle of Santa Marta's Marsh, and the passion pushing its inhabitants to build, on the water, a soccer field.

This is a documentary film about a stilt village in the middle of Santa Marta's Marsh, and the passion pushing its inhabitants to build, on the water, a soccer field.

A forgotten national ballet company set in a theater under construction is shaken into life by the arrival of Julio Bocca, one of the best ballet dancers of all time.

The life of a seal is pretty unfair. During mating season, the strong ones take ten females each, nine males stay without a partner. This wildlife comedy observes a colony of seals and tells the story of one of them: We follow him through the crude beauty of birth, being fed by his mother, and being pushed away when the next new-born is due. His adolescent fight to define his place in life - and finally his efforts during mating season. Fresh, funny and with entertaining narration, the film switches from the sex life of seals to our own manners of courtship and mating. Isn't our life all about reproducing ourselves? What does us humans divide from mammals when it comes to love, sex and reproduction? Aren't we all seals after all...?

Gastón (Jorge Temponi) is very attached to technology and is still in love with an ex-girlfriend who left him. He inherits an old house from his grandfather far from the city and must travel there accompanied by Américo (Carlos Frasca), a clerk somewhat depressed by his old age. The driver and owner of the truck in which they travel is Beto (Jorge Esmoris), a carrier with a somewhat murky past. The place where they are going was visited by the English naturalist Charles Darwin in 1833, where he collected fundamental information to later develop the theory of evolution.

Olga, Teresa and Pilar have been friends since they were born. For years they vacationed together with their parents, and later together on their own. A few years ago, Teresa got married, and for some years they didn't see each other as much. Teresa's divorce prompts a reunion, so the three of them rent a small house for the weekend. In their first day together, it becomes obvious that everything they share is in their past. They have grown apart.

Dissatisfied with his new life (and wife), a man tries to insinuate himself back into the home of the ex-wife and daughter he left ten years before.

The story of how a Uruguayan political prisoner, Jorge Tiscornia, from 1972 on, secretly kept a meticulous and personal record of his living conditions during the 4646 days (More than twelve years) that he was in prison in Penal de Libertad: the largest political prison in the 1970s' Latin America.

The Crop of the Invisible Flower is a daily painting of a group of people who have been struck by forzed dissapearances on Uruguay. The documentary follows them through 5 years, starting from the first triump of the left on the country, exploring reality through their eyes. The movie also explores the search for the truth on a society divided by justice and memory.

The Crop of the Invisible Flower is a daily painting of a group of people who have been struck by forzed dissapearances on Uruguay. The documentary follows them through 5 years, starting from the first triump of the left on the country, exploring reality through their eyes. The movie also explores the search for the truth on a society divided by justice and memory.

The Crop of the Invisible Flower is a daily painting of a group of people who have been struck by forzed dissapearances on Uruguay. The documentary follows them through 5 years, starting from the first triump of the left on the country, exploring reality through their eyes. The movie also explores the search for the truth on a society divided by justice and memory.

Director Mariana Viñoles documents her return from Belgium to Uruguay after five years of absence and tells the story of her father, her two brothers and an intimate friend, all of whom decided to migrate from the country during an economic crisis.

An intimate documentary portrait of an exceptional couple who live in a suburb of Montevideo: Julia, a 65-year-old transsexual whose new gender identity has finally been recognised (after twelve years) by the Uruguayan state, and Ignacio, her lover, a former construction worker with a troubled past. Inseparable for 20 years, the couple are now preparing for marriage. Aldo Garay’s camera follows Julia and Ignacio’s joys and worries, patiently revealing the sources of the strength of their relationship.

An intimate documentary portrait of an exceptional couple who live in a suburb of Montevideo: Julia, a 65-year-old transsexual whose new gender identity has finally been recognised (after twelve years) by the Uruguayan state, and Ignacio, her lover, a former construction worker with a troubled past. Inseparable for 20 years, the couple are now preparing for marriage. Aldo Garay’s camera follows Julia and Ignacio’s joys and worries, patiently revealing the sources of the strength of their relationship.

A movie-theater employee adjusts to a new life as the cinema he's worked at for over 25 years faces closure.

A young man in Uruguay has trouble expressing himself verbally. As the lead singer in a band, he interacts with the world through his music.

Birds of Passage presents a lyrical journey through the everyday lives of two young Uruguayan songwriters. Ernesto and Yisela have moved to the capital, leaving behind their respective hometowns on the borders of Brazil and Argentina. After many years of composing songs that reflect their origins, both decide to explore new horizons and each seeks to fulfill the dream of recording a first album. While Yisela struggles to reconcile the emerging possibilities of a career in Uruguay with her plans to move to Argentina, Ernesto confronts personal conflicts that threaten to sabotage his creative passion. The film fuses the arts of documentary film and music, interweaving the songs and stories of these two young composers. With vérité cinematography and an unforgettable soundtrack, Birds of Passage explores the challenges of being a young artist, and the art of searching, inside and outside of oneself.

A chronicle of a supermarket security guard's obsession with a late-shift janitor.

A north to south canoe trip along quiet bodies of water of Uruguay, exploring the fauna and flora amidst the wilderness.

The Silva family is pioneer and a role model within the community; it shows values and the goal to not let the candombe tradition fade away. Not only do they have an internal hierarchy, but also in his neighbourhood, Waldemar “Cachila” Silva is a respected leader. Cachila decide to pass on his legacy to his sons Matias and Wellington, who should now lead the family business, afro descendants playing candombe, a drum rhythm for the carnival contest and keep the privilege place obtained by the family. Patriarchy, hierarchy and cultural traditions are the concepts that drive this documentary about the life of a man of African descent and a dysfunctional family trying to perpetuate its power, which is crucial for the future of a culture.

In this musical documentary we are shown a period in the cultural history of Uruguay after the dictatorship ended, told through the story of Tabaré Rivero and his rock group. There are anecdotes from people who took part in that story and archive material, and we are treated to an intimate and amusing reflection about the role of the artist in contemporary society, especially in Latin America.

Award-winning documentary about how one Uruguayan leftist survived solitary confinement during the dirty war. The story of former Tupamaro guerilla fighter, Henry Engler, whose prolonged confinement and torture during the Uruguayan dictatorship led to a mental breakdown. Today Dr. Engler is a Swedish citizen and a scientist renowned for his research into Alzheimer’s disease. In this impressive documentary, the scientist visits the places of his painful past, painting an intimate and disturbing portrait of prison life under the dictatorship.

This documentary tells the story of a group of Uruguayan political and social activists who began or intensified their activities in the 1960s. What emerges is how diverse the Uruguayan left was in thought and action in fields like attitudes to armed struggle, the place of women and children, the historical significance of the Frente Amplio Party and the ways in which the old ideals have found expression - or not, as the case may be - under the first left wing national government in the history of the country. The documentary was made for Casa Bertolt Brecht, and is geared to stimulating debate and training new generations of activists.

After 22 years an old photographer finds lost negatives of El Popular, the newspaper he worked for when it was closed down by the dictatorship in 1973. A teenager is looking for the way to deliver to it's owner the treasure he had found playing in the garage as a child, inside a hole in the wall. A building reveals a secret that has been hidden inside it: fifty thousand ever enduring negatives with the untold story of a country.

October 2004. Uruguay. After three years away Mariana returns to her country to be reunited with her family and also to vote. After the economic crisis that plunged the country into a terrible depression, Uruguay is on the brink of a real change. We are shown day to day life in Melo, a small provincial city, we are given an intimate insight into a family of militant leftists, and we accompany a Latin American people in the month leading up to a historic political event: the first ever election victory in Uruguay of a party from the political left, the Frente Amplio.

Basilio is a great guy, a poor devil with a huge heart who nobody really notices. Dominated by his wife, humiliated by his colleagues, despised by the man who walks his dog. Basilio decides to give it all up, but in the middle of his suicide attempt he meets three peculiar characters, a noise pollution officer, a young 12-year old girl and a creative and endearing woman who keeps losing her phone. With these three in tow, he wanders through the city, while the noise around him is growing.

The Punta de Rieles prison was where most female political prisoners were incarcerated during the dictatorship in Uruguay. The way up to the building led through “the meadow” where there were animals grazing, and the prison itself was surrounded with flowers. The place seemed eminently liveable, almost comfortable, and at first sight there was no sign of the silent struggle going on behind those walls. This documentary is an attempt to reconstruct life at the prison through the testimony of some of the hundreds of women who were there and who resisted the military regime's attempts to grind them down and destroy them.

During the 2004 electoral campaign, before the left came to power for the first time ever in the history of Uruguay, a film crew sets out to record the opinions of young people who are going to vote for the left, and to find out what they think about politics, militant action, the left wing parties and citizen participation. Under the impact of today's global economic slowdown and political crisis, stereotypes of militant action have changed since May 1968 and the utopian thought of the 1970s, and in this documentary some of these new forms of political thought find expression.

The biggest peaceful demonstration of resistance to an authoritarian regime in Latin America in the 1970s was the general strike whereby Uruguayan workers and students rejected the military coup of 27 June 1973. In this documentary we follow what happened from two perspectives: that of the people who took part in the mass mobilisation, and that of those who captured those events in images.

The biggest peaceful demonstration of resistance to an authoritarian regime in Latin America in the 1970s was the general strike whereby Uruguayan workers and students rejected the military coup of 27 June 1973. In this documentary we follow what happened from two perspectives: that of the people who took part in the mass mobilisation, and that of those who captured those events in images.

The documentary looks in the life and work of Mario Benedetti, especially in his poetic work, the keys to an illustrious Montevideo. A man who has had to live several exiles and has received all the awards that this world can give. But above all, the affection of an unconditional, massive and faithful audience that follows him everywhere and pampers him every day with their applause and reading. A sad childhood, a youth full of work and reading, and a maturity full of commitments marked Benedetti. His work testifies the history, that which only artists can tell.

When his long-lost brother resurfaces, Jacobo, desperate to prove his life has added up to something, looks to scrounge up a wife. He turns to Marta, an employee at his sock factory, with whom he has a prickly relationship.

31º October 2004: for the first time, the political party Frente Amplio is on the verge of winning the presidential elections. Líber Seregni, one of the founders of this political party, since 1971 fought for that possibility. For ten years he had been in prison for his ideals. His wife and family were silent observers of this long trip to build democracy. This documentary is about that day, together with Seregni's wife, daughter and grand-daughters from the moment the votes were cast up to the results that same night. The end of a journey of love, hope and trust.

31º October 2004: for the first time, the political party Frente Amplio is on the verge of winning the presidential elections. Líber Seregni, one of the founders of this political party, since 1971 fought for that possibility. For ten years he had been in prison for his ideals. His wife and family were silent observers of this long trip to build democracy. This documentary is about that day, together with Seregni's wife, daughter and grand-daughters from the moment the votes were cast up to the results that same night. The end of a journey of love, hope and trust.

The tale of five Uruguayan villagers who embark on a journey to see the ocean for the first time. They depart in a broken down freight truck, property of Rodríguez, a taciturn man who loves the sea. Their point of departure is a local bar, and at the last minute, an unknown man from the bar joins their adventure.

At the time of the dictatorship in Uruguay, the University was one of the main centres of repression and a channel for the dissemination of state ideology. The institution's freedoms and rights that had been won through the process of autonomy and co-government were revoked. This documentary shows us university students during that period, their activist strategies, their struggles for participation, and the long road they travelled before finally playing an important role in the transition to democracy.

The vicissitudes of a musician fresh from prison that seeks to resume playing music with his band, the Chevrolés, whose members are scattered around the city, earning a living wage through various activities.

In Montevideo, Sonja cares for her invalid mother, works in a garment factory, and has little going for her. Her neighbor Modesto, an older man who lives alone, types anonymous letters to her. Her mother is difficult -- demanding and miserable, afraid of death. Sonja meets Ernesto, a nurseryman, and finally there may be some possibilities in her life. Does freedom beckon?

24 hours in the life of three street youths in Montevideo. Three teenage guys try to figure out what they're supposed to be doing with their lives in this drama from Uruguay that puts the emphasis on character over narrative.