Pensamiento Lateral arrives at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival
The psychological thriller starring Itziar Ituño continues its international tour after being awarded in Moscow and recognized in Montreal. On this occasion, as part of the Mar del Plata International Film Festival, the film—which is part of the Official Competition—had the presence of Ituño and the rest of the cast as it prepares for its national theatrical release in March 2026.
Pensamiento Lateral (Lateral Thinking), the feature film starring internationally acclaimed Basque actress Itziar Ituño, was presented in the Official Competition at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival, the country’s most prestigious cinematic event and the only Class A festival in Latin America. Ituño, recognized worldwide for her roles in Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) and Intimacy, attended the festival to support the screening alongside Argentine director Mariano Hueter.
"This project captivated me from the very beginning. Julia is a character full of layers, strength, and vulnerability. The film offers a psychological game so intense that it leaves you reflecting long after the credits roll," expressed Itziar Ituño regarding her performance.
The film competed within the Argentine Feature Film Competition Section, with special screenings held on:
Sunday, 9th · 10:10 AM · Aldrey 4
Sunday, 9th · 7:30 PM · Teatro Colón
Monday, 10th · 4:10 PM · Aldrey 4
Following the screening on Sunday the 9th, a press conference was held featuring Itziar Ituño, César Bordón, Mauricio Paniagua, and Agostina Innella.
The film, a co-production of 16:09 Cine and Torneos, is a psychological thriller following Julia, a psychologist who must use her professional expertise to survive an extortionate kidnapping. Starring Itziar Ituño, César Bordón (Luis Miguel: The Series), Mauricio Paniagua (Monzón), and featuring a special appearance by Alberto Ammann (Caught, Narcos), the story explores psychological processes, power, and survival during confinement. It focuses on manipulation, resistance, and the inner strength of a woman pushed to her absolute limit.
After being the sole Latin American representative in the official competition at the historic Moscow International Film Festival—where it won the Film Critics' Award—and receiving an Honorable Mention at the 2025 Montreal International Film Festival, Pensamiento Lateral continues to solidify its presence on the international circuit.
The Moscow international jury praised the film for its "clear representation of gender issues expressed through an innovative cinematic language." The movie masterfully combines suspense and reflection with a disruptive gaze into the human mind.
Following its festival run, Pensamiento Lateralis set to premiere in national theaters in March 2026.
Technical Specifications
Director: Mariano Hueter
Genre: Fiction / Thriller
Run Time: 88 min.
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish
Year: 2025