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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.

  • Guillermo Rojo Diez
    Director
  • Guillermo Rojo Diez
    Writer
  • Sonia Cuesta
    Key Cast
  • Guillermo Rojo
    Key Cast
  • Jesús Cardiel
    Director of photography
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Apagada
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, alcohol, Inequalities, disability, gender equality, Family, Women, psychology, mental health, abuse
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 6, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Spain
  • Country of Filming:
    Spain
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Batman Short Film Days 2024
    Batman
    December 6, 2024
    Official Selection
  • FOCAT

    Mexico
    December 30, 2024
    Official selection
  • Noida International Film Festival 2025
    Noida
    India
    February 2, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Papagena Festival
    Pernambuco
    Brazil
    March 4, 2025
    International Winner
  • Amity International Film Fest 2025

    India
    Official Selection
  • XVII Festival Cortos Rodinia 2025
    Valladolid
    Spain
    Official Selection
  • We Cam Fest 2025

    Colombia
    Official Selection
  • IFSAK Short Film Festival

    India
    Official Selection
  • Ecos Shorts Festival Derechos Humanos
    Pereira
    Colombia
    May 31, 2025
    2º Winner International Short
  • Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival
    Highlands, NC 28741
    United States
    September 18, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Cappadocia International Film Festival
    Nevşehir
    June 24, 2025
    Official Selection
  • CineCi' Shortmovie CulturalClassic 2025
    Napoli
    Italy
    September 11, 2025
    Official Selection
  • FiCSor Festival Internacional de Cine Sordo 2025
    Buenos Aires
    Argentina
    September 24, 2025
    Argentina Premiere
    Official Selection
  • LAST HOPE International Film Festival 2025
    Da Nang
    August 2, 2025
    Viet Nam Premiere
    Official Selection
  • VII Muestra de Cortometrajes Castillo de Jaraba
    Jaraba
    Spain
    August 9, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Festival de Cine de Ancash 2025
    Huaraz
    Peru
    August 18, 2025
    Official Selection
  • XXVI IXTAR CURTS 2025
    Ibiza
    Spain
    September 6, 2025
    Official Selection
  • MISFE`25 International Social Film Festival Majadahonda
    Majadahonda
    Spain
    October 6, 2025
    Official Selection
  • XVII Festival Internacional de cortometrajes con Temática Social 2025
    Berriozar
    Spain
    August 15, 2025
    Official Selection
  • 2º Un barrio de Cine
    Granada
    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 2025
    Toronto
    Canada
    October 3, 2025
    Official Selection
  • II Ciclo de Cine y Salud Mental Gijón y Avilés 2025
    Gijon
    Spain
    September 25, 2025
    Official Selection
  • CICOM Certamen Internacional de Cortometrajes de Murchante 2025
    Murchante
    Spain
    September 29, 2025
    Official Selection
  • FICSor CHILE Festival Internacional de Cine Sordo 2025
    Santiago de Chile
    Chile
    September 30, 2025
    Official Selection
  • FestImatge - Festival de Cine de Calella 2026
    Calella
    Spain
    April 23, 2026
    Mejor Cortometraje de Ficción Amateur
Director Biography - Guillermo Rojo Diez

I am Guillermo Rojo, an amateur filmmaker. I started as an extra in films and series. Then I decided to star in my own stories. Since 2023 I began training and studying audiovisuals. To date I have made and starred in short films such as 'Leona', 'La Reliquia', 'Detalles', 'Orfeo' and the one I am most proud of and the most successful one is 'Apagada'.

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