It's now the biggest Spanish-language film festival in the UK. A whole 10 days will be devoted to the discovery of Spanish and Latin American cinema, with a grand total of 24 UK premieres, a host of visiting film stars and the famous Viva! parties.
In total there are more than 60 features and documentaries and another batch of excellent shorts.
A season pass for the festival offers great value for money, with the opportunity to catch eight fabulous films (except galas) for only £34 (or £26 concessions).
You could choose to watch Antonio Banderas' latest directorial effort Summer Rain, catch the UK Premiere of Gael García Bernal's Deficit or take in the thrilling Spanish hit The Orphanage.
The festival opens on Thursday with Bajo las Estrellas (Under The Stars). Nominated for seven Goyas (the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars).
It's the debut feature by a director, Felix Viscarret, whose short films have appeared to considerable acclaim at past Viva festivals.
Rural roots
It's the story of a selfish jazz musician whose return to his rural roots proves to be his redemption. The director will introduce the film and will also be at the Opening Night Gala party. Gala tickets include two free bottles of Cruzcampo beer and tapas.
Bajo las Estrellas is also screening on Friday and Saturday. There's also another Viva party on the Saturday night, celebrating the Festival's Lita Stantic season and the impressive Argentine presence at this year's Viva! The Sol de marzo party follows the 8.40pm special preview screening of XXY, the feature debut of Lucia Puenzo, who's the daughter of director Luis Pueno, director of The Official Version, screening at Viva as part of their Vault Of Memories strand on Sunday March 9.
Actors Ines Etron and Martin Piroyanski are expected to attend the screening of XXY, which won the Grand Prize at the 2007 Cannes Festival Critics' Week, the best New Director at last year's Edinburgh Film Festival, and Goya for Best Foreign Film in Spanish.
Viva! The 14th Spanish and Latin American Film Festival is at Cornerhouse until Sunday, March 16. Festival passes are only available in advance by contacting Cornerhouse directly on 0161 200 1500. For updates (including information on VIP guests attending the festival and confirmed films) please see the website at: vivafilmfestival.com or 0161200 1500.
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