La Bruja

On the night of his eighth birthday, Pablito mourns the loss of his Amá. But when his Abuela tells him a fairytale about the mystical Bruja Del Mar, he finds unexpected parallels between his own life and her story. Amidst the tale, immigration agents raid his neighborhood, endangering Pablito and Abuela.

With themes of resilience and love, "La Bruja" highlights the transformative power of storytelling, reminding us that even the darkest moments hold the most light.

NARRATIVE SHORT | 13:13

Director Biography - Manuel Villarreal

Manuel Villarreal is a queer, first-generation Mexican American filmmaker whose work explores identity and culture, often using fantastical frameworks to tell deeply personal stories.

His work challenges stereotypes and champions diversity, exemplified by his short film La Bruja, which won the Tomorrow's Filmmakers Today Audience Award at the Hola Mexico Film Festival and had its world premiere at the 2024 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF).

In 2024, Villarreal was selected as one of only four filmmakers to participate in the mitú x Walmart Filmmaking Mentorship Program, where he received a $50,000 grant to produce a short film called El Colibri. This film had a special screening at LALIFF and will also play at this year’s Bentonville Film Festival.

Additionally, he secured a spot in the prestigious Film Independent Project Involve '24 Directing Fellowship, where he's set to direct 911 Lone Star's Brian Michael Smith and Pose's Angelica Ross in a story about a Black trans man embracing his past identity.

Holding an MFA in Directing from the AFI Conservatory, Villarreal is deeply committed to challenging societal preconceptions and highlighting the diversity of our world.