Havana Film Festival NY: Ecuador's 'Hiedra' Wins Best Film, Cuba Doc Takes Best Documentary

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HIEDRA and PARA VIVIR top honors at Quad Cinema's closing ceremony

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The 26th Havana Film Festival New York announced the winners of the 2026 Havana Star Prize during its closing ceremony at Quad Cinema in Manhattan.

The Havana Star Prize for Best Film was awarded to HIEDRA , directed by Ana Cristina Barragán. The award for Best Documentary went to PARA VIVIR: EL IMPLACABLE TIEMPO DE PABLO MILANÉS , directed by Fabien Pisani.

Special Jury Mentions were awarded to VIDAS EN LA ORILLA by Lucía Gajá in the documentary category and LA MISTERIOSA MIRADA DEL FLAMENCO by Diego Céspedes in fiction.

The Fiction Jury included Puerto Rican filmmaker and production designer Rafi Mercado , Dickinson College professor Margaret Frohlich, and Hofstra University professor Breixo Viejo.

“For its masterful presentation of the art of storytelling in film, with superb direction of actors, an original mise-en-scène, and excellent cinematography—and, more importantly, for its critical and lyrical approach to the devastating reality of sexual abuse in Latin America,” the jury said in a statement regarding HIEDRA .

The Documentary Jury consisted of Ana María Hernández, Felipe Aguilera, and Álvaro Baquero-Pecino.

“For its profound exploration of the global impact and enduring significance of the Canción protesta genre, alongside a nuanced portrayal of paternity and a compelling depiction of the artistic and personal trajectory of Pablo Milanés,” the jury stated in awarding PARA VIVIR .

According to Artistic Director Diana Vargas, the festival’s 19 competing films represented “a rich spectrum of voices and perspectives” across social, political, and artistic themes.

The competition featured films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Uruguay, and Latino-American communities, with multiple world, U.S., and New York premieres presented throughout the festival.

Directed by Ana Cristina Barragán

The Fiction Jury recognized HIEDRA for its storytelling, direction of actors, mise-en-scène, cinematography, and exploration of sexual abuse in Latin America.

Directed by Fabien Pisani

The Documentary Jury cited the film’s examination of the cultural significance of Canción protesta music and its portrayal of Pablo Milanés’ artistic and personal life.

Established in 2010, the Havana Star Prize recognizes achievement in Latin American filmmaking and honors both emerging and established filmmakers from across the region.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/26th-Havana-Film-Festival-NY-Names-Best-Film-and-Documentary-Winners-20260508)._