Rita
While fleeing a neglectful household, thirteen-year-old Rita is placed in an oppressive state-run orphanage. Rita’s arrival provides a glimmer of hope to the girls inside, who share a prophecy that an angel will appear to release them. Encouraged by one another, the girls plan an escape to claim their freedom and expose the orphanage’s abuses of power. Based on the true story behind one of Guatemala’s most harrowing tragedies, RITA shines a light on the brave orphans whose fight for survival inspired a nationwide outcry for justice and reform.
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Jayro BustamanteDirectorIxcanul (2015), La Llorona (2019), Temblores (2019)
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Jayro BustamanteWriterIxcanul (2015), La Llorona (2019), Temblores (2019)
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Jonathan KingProducerRoma (Alfonso Cuarón 2018), Una Mujer Fantastica (Sebastián Lelio 2017), No (Pablo Larraín 2012)
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Jayro BustamanteProducerIxcanul (2015), La Llorona (2019), Temblores (2019)
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Giuliana Santa CruzKey Cast"Rita"
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Margarita KéneficKey Cast"Social Worker"La Llorona (2019), Temblores (2019)
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Ángela QuevedoKey Cast"Sulmi"
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Glendy RucalKey Cast"Gladys"
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Alejandra VásquezKey Cast"Bebé"
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Sabrina De la HozKey Cast"Monitor"La Llorona (2019), Temblores (2019))
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André AldanaKey Cast"La Terca"
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Project Title (Original Language):Rita
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Project Type:Feature
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Runtime:1 hour 30 minutes
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Completion Date:October 31, 2023
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Production Budget:4,500,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Guatemala
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Country of Filming:Guatemala
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Language:Spanish
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Shooting Format:Digital 4K
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Aspect Ratio:4:1
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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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Fantasy FestivalToronto
Canada
July 25, 2025
Premiere
Official Selection and Best Cinematography -
Molins Horror FestivalBarcelona
Spain
November 15, 2024
Europe premiere
Official Selection -
Brooklin Horror Film FestivalNew York
United States
November 4, 2024
Best Screenplay -
Calgary International Film FestivalCalgary
Canada
September 18, 2024 -
IcaroCiudad de Guatemala
Guatemala
November 30, 2024
Best Film; Best Director; Best Costume Design -
National Theater of GuatemalaCiudad de Guatemala
Guatemala
August 7, 2024
Premiere of Guatemala
Distribution Information
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ShudderDistributorCountry: United StatesRights: All RightsCountry: CanadaRights: All Rights
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Upgrade Productions LLCSales AgentCountry: WorldwideRights: All Rights
He was born in Guatemala and spent his childhood in a predominantly Mayan community on the shores of Lake Atitlán. From a very young age, he knew he wanted to make films.
His professional beginnings were in advertising, directing several commercials for the agency Ogilvy & Mather. He trained in Paris as a filmmaker at the CLCF (Conservatoire Libre du Cinéma Français). He continued his studies as a screenwriter in Rome at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia.
In 2009, together with Marina Peralta, he founded his own production company, La Casa de Producción, where he produced and directed his first short films. In 2015, he premiered his debut feature film, Ixcanul. With this film, he established himself as a director by winning the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and more than 60 awards at international festivals.
In 2019, he premiered his feature films Temblores and La Llorona. With the latter, he brought recognition to Guatemala and Central America for the first time at the Golden Globes, competing for Best International Film. Similarly, La Llorona made it to the Oscars Shortlist after an important journey through major festivals worldwide, such as Venice (winning the Best Director award), Sundance, Toronto, among others.
In 2024, he premiered his feature film Rita, reaffirming his commitment to stories that address relevant social and cultural issues.
He is currently developing several film projects, both nationally and internationally.