Cannes-winner 'La Bola Negra' to Open NewFest LGBTQ+ Festival in New York

Los Javis’ Cannes-winning drama 'La Bola Negra' has been selected to open NewFest38, the New York City LGBTQ+ film festival, with a screening scheduled for Oct. 15 across venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The directors, Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, will attend the event alongside lead comedian Julio Torres. Set in three distinct eras—1932, 1937 and 2017—the film traces the intertwined lives of three gay men and is inspired by an unfinished piece by Federico García Lorca.

NewFest interim executive director Lesli Klainberg highlighted the film’s ambitious scope and its alignment with the festival’s mission to showcase bold queer storytelling. The ensemble features Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, Lola Dueñas, and musician Guitarricadelafuente, who also co-wrote the original song 'La Nieve.' After a North American premiere at Telluride, Netflix will give the movie a theatrical release on Oct. 16 followed by a streaming debut on Dec. 2, marking a record-short window for the platform.