Richard Peña concluded a highly successful visit to Chile in late August, highlighted by a festival dedicated to Film Noir. The event featured presentations, reviews, and discussions on classic films such as “Double Indemnity” (1944), “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947), and “Kiss Me Deadly” (1955). Peña, a professor of professional practice in Film at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, is renowned for his extensive experience as the former Program Director of the Film Society at New York's Lincoln Center and Director of the New York Film Festival. His long-standing career as a film curator, critic, and organizer of retrospectives and festivals, particularly those focusing on Latin American cinema, has made him a well-known figure among local audiences, directors, and producers.
During his week-long stay in Chile, Peña conducted a masterclass titled “The History and Relevance of Film Festivals,” exploring the historical significance and cultural impact of these events. He emphasized the opportunities that digital technologies present for independent filmmakers and documentary creators to establish their own niche festivals. Peña also presented and discussed the documentary “Leviathan” (2012), an experimental exploration of the North American fishing industry, and screened short films produced and directed by Columbia students at Universidad Católica’s School of Communications.
Throughout his visit, Peña engaged in numerous meetings with Chilean film directors, producers, and members of the local film industry, including managers of independent movie theaters. His visit garnered significant media attention, with coverage from major outlets such as El Mercurio, where he shared his insights on Chilean cinema. He also participated in discussions on Radio Cooperativa’s program “La Historia es Nuestra” and contributed to the cultural review section of the “El Mostrador” website.
