Ventana Sur’s Blood Window continues to promote Latin American genre cinema, returning this year with seven films. This unique showcase highlights the genre’s evolution, moving beyond traditional horror into a broader range of narratives, including sci-fi, thrillers, and supernatural tales.

“Latin American genre cinema has a knack for producing fantastic period films,” Variety reports, but this year’s entries largely focus on modern settings. The lineup’s diversity demonstrates the versatility of genre storytelling while handling contemporary themes.

Borealis from Puerto Rican filmmaker Heixan Robles, a sci-fi thriller where a solar flare causes global memory loss. Robles brings his cinematic expertise from NYU and local productions, crafting a tale of rediscovery and survival.

The Brazilian vampire thriller Love Kills, directed by Luiza Shelling Tubaldini, explores humanity’s complexities. Set in Sao Paulo, it follows Helena, a vampire who reconnects with her human side after a chance encounter. Tubaldini’s credits include Netflix’s hit Yakuza Princess.

Mariano Cattaneo’s Argentine slasher No One Will Hear Your Scream intertwines a murder mystery with the 1990 World Cup frenzy. Cattaneo delivers a chilling portrayal of terror amidst soccer celebrations.

Simbiontes by Christian Mejía Carrascal is a Colombian cosmic horror film about a symbiote that attracts both salvation seekers and mercenaries. This film is “a project to watch,” backed by genre film markets like Sitges.

Blood Window’s lineup exemplifies Latin America’s growing impact on global genre cinema. These films promise to captivate international audiences by embracing innovation and cultural relevance while showcasing the region’s creative prowess.