# Venezuelan film industry developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-film-industry-developments
> Updated: 2026-10-19T23:37:10.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Venezuelan cinema has seen recent developments regarding international award recognition and domestic festival planning. The Venezuelan Academy of Cinema selected the film ‘El Pez que Fuma’, directed by Luis Fernández and starring Mimí Lazo, to represent the nation in the Best Ibero-American Film category at the Goya Awards.

Furthering domestic industry activity, the Fundación para el Desarrollo del Arte y la Cultura (Fundearc) announced the return of the Venezuelan Film Festival (FCV). The event is scheduled for November 22 to 26, 2026, on Margarita Island, combining its 21st and 22nd editions into a single celebration featuring a competition of 63 feature films, including 14 debut works.

Recent updates highlight the release of ‘El nuevo pez que fuma’, directed by Luis Fernández and starring Mimí Lazo. Described as an autobiographical meta-fiction, the film follows an actress whose life begins to mirror the dramatic roles she plays. The production serves as a narrative successor to Román Chalbaud’s 1977 classic ‘El pez que fuma’. 

In addition to its Goya Awards submission, ‘El Nuevo Pez que Fuma’ has been selected to compete in the Mar del Plata International Film Festival, a Category ‘A’ event accredited by the FIAPF. The film’s cast includes Mimí Lazo, Jorge Reyes, Fran Berenguer, and Claudia Rojas.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Venezuelan film El Nuevo Pez que Fuma selected for Mar del Plata Film Festival

The Venezuelan film ‘El Nuevo Pez que Fuma’, directed by Luis Fernández, will compete at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-film-el-nuevo-pez-que-fuma-selected-for-mar-del-plata-film-festival

### 2026-10-15: Venezuelan cinema sees new film release and festival announcement

Venezuelan cinema highlights include the premiere of Mimí Lazo’s film ‘El nuevo pez que fuma’ and the announcement of a combined 21st and 22nd Venezuelan Film Festival in Margarita Island.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-cinema-sees-new-film-release-and-festival-announcement

### 2026-10-12: Venezuelan and Cuban films selected for Goya Awards

Venezuela’s ‘El Pez que Fuma’ and Cuba’s ‘Neurótica Anónima’ have been selected for the Goya Awards, highlighting significant cinematic contributions from both nations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-and-cuban-films-selected-for-goya-awards

---
Cite as: Venezuelan film industry developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-film-industry-developments