Switched off
Sonia turns 53 years old. To celebrate, she prepares to make a cake while imagining what her day will be like, but the reality is that her life is an unbearable nightmare that has her locked in a cage from which she cannot escape.
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The Short Film Apagada Addresses Gender Violence and Disability with Sensitivity
Directed and written by Guillermo Rojo, Apagada is a short film that explores two highly relevant social issues: gender violence and mental health in the context of disability. Filmed in Noáin, Navarra, the work tells the story of a woman with a disability who faces a toxic relationship, showcasing the psychological and emotional scars that this situation leaves on her life. Through an intimate and realistic narrative, the short film aims to shed light on realities that often go unnoticed but affect thousands of people worldwide.
The project stands out for its technical and artistic approach, with carefully crafted cinematography and art direction that enhance the raw and moving atmosphere of the story. The performance of the lead actress, crucial for conveying the emotional depth of the narrative, has been particularly praised for its authenticity and intensity. Additionally, the technical and creative team worked collaboratively to create a piece that not only has a visual impact but also invites reflection.
Guillermo Rojo, with a background in independent cinema, has chosen to tackle social issues that provoke thought. In Apagada, his goal is not only to tell a story but also to raise awareness and foster dialogue about problems such as gender-based violence and the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The short film, which has been selected for several festivals, presents itself as a necessary work in today’s cinematic landscape, standing out for its human and social approach.
With Apagada, Rojo and his team aim not only to entertain but also to contribute to social change through art. The short film serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing uncomfortable yet urgent topics and giving a voice to those who are often silenced.
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Guillermo Rojo DiezDirector
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Guillermo Rojo DiezWriter
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Sonia CuestaKey Cast
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Guillermo RojoKey Cast
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Jesús CardielDirector of photography
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Project Title (Original Language):Apagada
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Drama, alcohol, Inequalities, disability, gender equality, Family, Women, psychology, mental health, abuse
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Runtime:5 minutes 22 seconds
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Completion Date:October 6, 2024
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Production Budget:4,000 EUR
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Country of Origin:Spain
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Country of Filming:Spain
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Language:Spanish
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
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Batman Short Film Days 2024Batman
December 6, 2024
Official Selection -
FOCAT
Mexico
December 30, 2024
Official selection -
Noida International Film Festival 2025Noida
India
February 2, 2025
Official Selection -
Papagena FestivalPernambuco
Brazil
March 4, 2025
International Winner -
Amity International Film Fest 2025
India
Official Selection -
XVII Festival Cortos Rodinia 2025Valladolid
Spain
Official Selection -
We Cam Fest 2025
Colombia
Official Selection -
IFSAK Short Film Festival
India
Official Selection -
Ecos Shorts Festival Derechos HumanosPereira
Colombia
May 31, 2025
2º Winner International Short -
Highlands-Cashiers Film FestivalHighlands, NC 28741
United States
September 18, 2025
Official Selection -
Cappadocia International Film FestivalNevşehir
June 24, 2025
Official Selection -
CineCi' Shortmovie CulturalClassic 2025Napoli
Italy
September 11, 2025
Official Selection -
FiCSor Festival Internacional de Cine Sordo 2025Buenos Aires
Argentina
September 24, 2025
Argentina Premiere
Official Selection -
LAST HOPE International Film Festival 2025Da Nang
August 2, 2025
Viet Nam Premiere
Official Selection -
VII Muestra de Cortometrajes Castillo de JarabaJaraba
Spain
August 9, 2025
Official Selection -
Festival de Cine de Ancash 2025Huaraz
Peru
August 18, 2025
Official Selection -
XXVI IXTAR CURTS 2025Ibiza
Spain
September 6, 2025
Official Selection -
MISFE`25 International Social Film Festival MajadahondaMajadahonda
Spain
October 6, 2025
Official Selection -
XVII Festival Internacional de cortometrajes con Temática Social 2025Berriozar
Spain
August 15, 2025
Official Selection -
2º Un barrio de CineGranada
Spain
September 3, 2025
Official Selection -
UnalomeFilmFestival 2025
Italy
Official Selection -
12th Pink City International Short Film Festival 2025
India
Official Selection -
HECare Film Festival 2025Toronto
Canada
October 3, 2025
Official Selection -
II Ciclo de Cine y Salud Mental Gijón y Avilés 2025Gijon
Spain
September 25, 2025
Official Selection -
CICOM Certamen Internacional de Cortometrajes de Murchante 2025Murchante
Spain
September 29, 2025
Official Selection -
FICSor CHILE Festival Internacional de Cine Sordo 2025Santiago de Chile
Chile
September 30, 2025
Official Selection -
FestImatge - Festival de Cine de Calella 2026Calella
Spain
April 23, 2026
Mejor Cortometraje de Ficción Amateur -
The “Uhvati film” (Seize the Film) FestivalNovi Sad
Serbia
October 15, 2026
Serbia premier
Oficial Selection -
UpWard International Studen Film FestivalPrishtinë
Kosovo
July 8, 2026
Kosovo Premiere
Official Selection -
Festival Internacional de Cine de la No-Violencia Activa (FICNOVA)Madrid
Spain
October 2, 2026
Official Selection
He began his audiovisual training in 2023 at the Pixelian film school in Navarra.
As a screenwriter and director, he has created several short fiction films exploring different genres: comedy in Leona and Detalles; a paranormal-tinged thriller in La Reliquia; and even dark humor in Orfeo.
His work Apagada has earned notable recognition in print media, radio, and television. The film addresses gender-based violence within the context of disability and mental health—shedding light on a harsh and often hidden reality behind the walls of many homes. Through an intimate and realistic narrative, the short aims to give visibility to situations that frequently go unnoticed yet affect thousands of women around the world.
In its short life, Apagada has already accumulated 43 official selections at national and international festivals, winning 6 awards.
His most recent work, Inmaculada (co-directed with Jesús Cardiel and completed in December 2025), marks a shift in tone. This time he returns to a character-driven rural comedy, selected as a finalist at the Navarra Tierra de Cine Film Competition and now beginning its journey through national and international festivals.