Paraguayan cinema celebrated an international triumph as the film Narciso won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival. The award was presented during the closing ceremony in Berlin, further cementing Paraguay’s growing presence on the global film stage.
The distinction was granted by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). The Federation is an international organisation founded in 1930 that unites professional film critics and journalists worldwide. Independent from official festival juries, FIPRESCI awards are respected for reflecting critics’ consensus on artistic quality, innovation, and social relevance. The critics’ recognition positioned Narciso as one of the most powerful works in the Panorama section. For Paraguay, the prize represents both validation and increased visibility.
“This film is Paraguayan.”
During the ceremony, director Marcelo Martinessi accepted the prize with an emotional speech. Martinessi placed politics and memory at the centre of his message.
“This film is Paraguayan. It is memory. It is art. But, above all, it is political,” he declared before an international audience.
Martinessi also expressed gratitude to the festival and to international critics. “I want to thank the Berlinale for offering this privileged space to share it with you. And express my deepest gratitude to the international critics for recognising that cinema cannot remain detached from what is happening to us.”
The director explained that Narciso draws inspiration from one of the darkest periods in Paraguay’s history. “I come from a country where a long history of authoritarian regimes forced generations to remain silent. Our film is inspired by that difficult era; it breathes its fear. It is not only a historical film, but also a memory projected forward.”
A beginning for Paraguayan film Narciso
Beyond reflecting on the past, Martinessi addressed the present global climate. “Today, while real threats emerge around the world, political projects insist on dragging us backwards. We need more films and, above all, we need more courage.”
He closed his remarks by highlighting the next challenge. “An ending that is also a beginning: the challenge of taking this film to Paraguay, defending it there, and the hope of returning soon with new stories. Long live cinema, always.”
With this recognition, Paraguayan film Narciso strengthens Paraguay’s cinematic reputation abroad.
