Historic short films from Argentina’s National School of Cinematographic Experimentation and Filmmaking

In 1957, facing the increasing influx and popularity of foreign titles, the Argentine government passed the Cinema Law to provide training and funding for the production of Argentine films. This act gave birth to the National Film Institute and soon after in 1965, to the National School of Cinematographic experimentation and Filmmaking (ENERC) that led to a significant revival in Argentine filmmaking and the foundation of an industry that today is respected throughout the world.

As a training institution, ENERC has continuously gained status and recognition at a national and international level. In 1987, the formation of the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA), a national film production company, secured funding for the school and support for emerging filmmakers. Many students have had their short films selected at prestigious film festivals, garnering significant attention. Alumni of ENERC, such as Fabián Bielinsky (El aura) and Lucretia Martel (La mujer sin cabeza), have had their highly acclaimed feature films premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Berlinale, Sundance and TIFF and have won numerous international awards.

In 2010, ENERC celebrated its 45th Anniversary. VLAFF is honoured to present a selection of eleven short films made by prominent graduates while they were studying at the school. This collection was made possible thanks to a massive recovery, restoration and ongoing digitalization project of film material from ENERC’s archives. Special thanks to Pablo Rovito, dean of ENERC.