The Paraguayan Association of Documentarians (DOCPY) has announced it will posthumously award the “DOCPY Award for Contribution and Career” to the late filmmaker Mauricio Rial Banti. The presentation will be the central part of the 2026 Day of the Documentarian ceremony. Consequently, this event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 30 June at 19:00 in the Juan de Salazar Spanish Cultural Centre (CCE) in Asunción, with free and open admission for all attendees.
A distinguished career in Paraguayan cinema
Mauricio Rial Banti, who passed away in January 2026, forged a significant and varied career within the Paraguayan film industry as a filmmaker, teacher, and assistant director. His body of work demonstrated a profound commitment to documentary storytelling. Among his most celebrated directorial projects is Tren Paraguay (2011), a film that explored the cultural and historical significance of the nation’s railway system. This was followed by his notable work on Overáva in 2012.
In addition to his documentary work, Rial Banti recently gained international attention as the co-director of Leal 2: Comando Yaguareté (2023). This major production was a significant milestone for Paraguayan cinema, as it was submitted for consideration in the prestigious Oscar and Goya awards. Furthermore, Rial Banti’s influence extended across numerous productions through his role as an assistant director.
He contributed his expertise to a wide array of successful films, including Los Buscadores, Mangoré, Narciso, and Matar a un Muerto, thereby playing a crucial role in the development of many contemporary Paraguayan cinematic narratives.
A focus on social and environmental issues
Throughout his career, the work of Mauricio Rial Banti was deeply connected to pressing social and environmental themes. He frequently used his platform to illuminate the challenges faced by rural and indigenous communities within Paraguay. His films often explored complex issues such as access to water and the complexities of land management, providing a voice to marginalised groups and bringing their stories to a wider audience. This dedication to social commentary established him as a filmmaker of conscience, using the medium to advocate for change and understanding.
Beyond his filmmaking, Rial Banti was a passionate educator who shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring filmmakers across Latin America. He taught extensively in Paraguay, Argentina, and Cuba, helping to shape the next generation of cinematic talent. Moreover, he was actively involved in strengthening the institutional framework of the Paraguayan audiovisual sector. His contributions included participation in processes to fortify the National Audiovisual Institute of Paraguay (INAP), demonstrating a long-term commitment to building a sustainable and vibrant national film industry.
Tributes planned to celebrate his work
To celebrate his extensive contributions, a series of events will be held in his honour. As part of the commemorative programming, a special screening of his documentary Tren Paraguay will take place on Friday, 26 June. This event, organised in collaboration with the Itinerant Film Club (Cineclub Itinerante), will be held in the library of the CCE. It offers an opportunity for the public to revisit one of his seminal works.
The main ceremony on 30 June will feature a comprehensive tribute to his life and career. The evening will include the formal presentation of the posthumous award to his representatives. In addition, attendees will be shown a curated selection of fragments from his diverse body of work, providing a retrospective of his cinematic journey. The event will also feature a special musical performance by the singer-songwriter Namse, who is originally from the city of Caacupé, adding a poignant artistic element to the commemoration.
The significance of the commemoration
The Day of the Documentarian itself is a significant date in the Paraguayan cultural calendar. It was officially established by the National Audiovisual Institute of Paraguay (INAP) to honour the memory of another pioneering filmmaker, Renate Costa. She was a leading figure in Paraguayan documentary cinema and one of the driving forces behind the establishment of DOCPY. Her untimely death in Paris on 29 June prompted the creation of this day to celebrate the contributions of all documentarians in the country.
This annual event serves not only as a tribute to specific individuals but also as a recognition of the vital role that documentary filmmaking plays in national discourse and cultural preservation. The 2026 edition is supported by a coalition of key cultural and educational institutions. These include the CCE, INAP, the Higher Technical Institute of Art and Communication (IPAC), and the ACESIP Short Film Competition. This widespread support underscores the collaborative spirit of the Paraguayan audiovisual community and its collective commitment to honouring its most influential figures.
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