From Rooftops to Reggaetón: 10 Must-See Latin American Movies at Havana Film Festival New York

Now in its 18th year, the Havana Film Festival New York continues to prove why it’s one of the most exciting Latin American movie programs around. With projects hailing from all over the Americas—from Canada to Argentina—this annual fest provides an eclectic mix of flicks that show the wildly talented work of directors from the region. Kicking off with the story of a young boy who dreams of being a pianist, closing with a documentary about Cuba’s music scene, and even featuring a screening of a film on the great Ernesto Lecuona followed by a musical performance honoring his work, this year’s lineup looks specifically tailored for lovers of Cuban music.

In addition to its juried program, HFFNY is paying homage to Cuban animation director Juan Padrón with three of his films, including the classic Vampiros en la Habana!, as well as hosting an In Memoriam segment dedicated to Eliseo Subiela, the Argentine director who passed away just this last December. Add to that a special program on Cuban music, an exhibition of classic Cuban film posters, and even a panel discussion on Cuban Cinema today, and it’s undeniable that there’s an embarrassment of riches at this year’s fest.

We’ve combed through the full lineup and while we’d recommend catching as many films as you can make time for, we know that choosing what to watch can be overwhelming. So let us help with our top picks below.

The 2017 Havana Film Festival New York runs March 30 – April 7, 2017.