The Uruguayan Film industry is characterized by its strong cultural identity references though unlike many Latin American countries, Uruguay has a scarce cinematic history. The first film that was made in Uruguay dates back to 1898, titled Bicycle Race in the Arroyo Seco Velodrome by Louis Lumière.

What followed were many films that documented the political unrest of the country, many documentaries were produced by Henro Corbicier for several years until 1919 when Leon Ibáñez released Bonne Garde and Pervanche. The first full length film, Almas de la Costa was directed by Juan Antonio Borges and released in 1923. The documentary was to become the genre that very much characterized Uruguayan cinema. The Uruguayan film industry didn’t receive much critical acclaim until the release of The Little Hero of Arroyo de Oro by Carlos Alonso in 1929. Ahead of its time, this film depicted the emotional reality of domestic violence.

During the dictatorship of President Gabriel Tierra Uruguayan depended greatly on Argentinean imports and the film industry came to a near standstill but a consciousness that came about in the 1960’s saw the Mario Handler found the Third World Cinemateque. He won several awards including, Best National Film for “Carlos”, in Uruguay in 1965 and Best National Film for “Elections”, in 1968.  After Handlers departure and exile to Chile film making in Uruguay again saw the production of unoriginal films.

But in 1980 after years of below average productions Eduardo Darino directed Guri and Uruguayan cinema was back in the spot light. Since then Uruguayan films have taken on many forms and the country has produced many competent and innovative directors.

Tragically, one of the most prolific directors to come out of Uruguay committed suicide in 2006.  Juan Pablo Rebella directed 25 Watts that was released in 2001 and won the coveted VPRO Tiger Award in Rotterdam.  His last production titled Whisky won the Regard Orginal aware at Cannes in 2004. At the time Rebella was found he was preparing his third script.