Uruguayan ambassador Ricardo Varela, whose mission is co-ordinating this year’s event, is keen to stress the increasing connection to Australia, pointing out that Australian actress Miranda Otto stars in the Brazilian film “Reaching for the Moon”, based on the real-life love affair between poet Elizabeth Bishop (Otto) and architect Lota de Macedo Soares (Gloria Pires).

In another connection, Dr Varela says, Australian director Andrew Tucker co-directs the doco “The Accordion’s Voyage”, the story of Colombian accordion virtuoso Manuel Vega’s journey with his group to play with the Hohner accordion orchestra in Germany.

Uruguay’s contribution is a comedy/thriller “Mr Kaplan,” where a Jewish immigrant seizes the chance to be a hero by unmasking and kidnapping an elderly German neighbour.

Although most films deal with contemporary issues, it’s not entirely modern. Venezuela’s film, “Azu”, is a historical adventure set in 1780, when an African woman is forced into slavery and sold at an auction.

The 11th Latin American Film Festival, at James O Fairfax Theatre, NGA, August 20-September 1, 2.30pm and repeated 6.30pm daily. Tickets free. Limited numbers, no bookings required. All films are subtitled in English and entry is classed as Restricted (R18+).