2nd Argentine Film Festival opens Aug. 18

For the second straight year, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Shangri-La Plaza, will hold the Argentine Film Festival at the Shang Cineplex from Aug. 18 to 21.

This year’s edition boasts of six films that range from comedies and dramas to thrillers. It opens with El Misterio de la Felicidad (The Mystery of Happiness) (2014), about the sudden disappearance of an electronics-store owner named Eugenio and its impact on his business partner Santiago and wife Laura. While looking for him with the help of a retired detective, Santiago and Laura learn that there’s more to Eugenio than they knew.

Goya award nominee El Hombre de al Lado (The Man Next Door) (2010) is a lighthearted look into privilege that tells the story of two very different men—a successful designer and a used-car salesman—who have absolutely nothing in common except a wall. A hilarious feud ensues when one of them decides to create a hole on that wall with a sledgehammer.

La Patota (international title: Paulina), which won a Fipresci (International Federation of Film Critics) prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, is a remake of a 1960s Argentinian classic that focuses on socially conscious teacher Paulina, her unconventional response to being sexually assaulted, and the complexity of the aftershocks that extend well beyond her.

Postmodern romantic comedy Medianeras (Sidewalls) (2011) takes place mostly in the digital world. It follows Martin and Mariana, two adorable strangers who are both a little bit deranged, lonely and neurotic, who go through their days musing on their inability to find love in the city, all while living right across each other.

Fermin: Glorias de Tango (Fermin: Glories of Tango) (2014) centers on an 85-year-old man being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder at a public health facility who only speaks in the lyrics of old tango songs. A young psychiatrist takes on Fermin’s case and, in the process, gradually learns about his life in 1940s Buenos Aires and the joys, love, death, and betrayal that made him into what he is.

Betibú (2014) is a crime novelist who is called upon to investigate the death of a rich businessman suspected of killing his wife years ago, who was found with his throat slit in his luxurious apartment. As Betibú digs deeper into the case, she learns of a bigger story: more murders of powerful men with a dark past.

Admission to the Argentine Film Festival is free, but seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis. For details, call (632) 370-2597 or 98, or visit www.facebook.com/argentinaenfilipinas or www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage.