- Maura Abad and Alberto Rivera’s fourth short film has been selected to screen at the Open Film Zone Festival in December 2026.
Just a few days after its public premiere (which took place on October 3), the fourth short film produced by Maura Abad and directed by Alberto Pablo Rivera, De Cabeza, has received its first laurel by being selected to participate in the Open Film Zone Festival in Tampere, Finland. The festival will take place on December 11, 2026, where the jury will vote to select the winners, and all the selected short films will be screened for the public.
This joint production between Magenta Productions (Maura) and New Rock Cinema (Alberto) tells the entertaining story of two young people who meet on a paradise beach where love blossoms, and complications soon follow. The amusing adventures of this couple in love have struck a chord with audiences and international juries alike, who have come to appreciate the humor, insight, beauty, and romantic twists of a story that will linger in viewers’ memories.
For Maura, this fourth production has marked a significant shift in her role as executive producer and screenwriter, as her earlier works had a more reflective, profound, and moving tone. Now, the writer uses humor to tell a love story. A bonus? Alberto Pablo Rivera, in addition to directing, plays the lead role alongside young actress Camila Valencia.
The setting chosen for this story is no accident either: the plot unfolds on Ecuador’s beautiful beaches, which means that, in addition to showcasing the country’s talent, it also highlights its idyllic natural landscapes. “We wanted to tell a beautiful and fun love story, but we also wanted to showcase Ecuador’s beauty, its beaches and landscapes, and all its potential for tourism. Let’s just say we’re presenting an engaging story set against an unbeatable backdrop. We’re confident that international audiences will not only enjoy our film but will also be drawn to and intrigued by the landscapes we showcase,” said Maura, adding that, as a tourism expert, promoting Ecuador’s beauty and potential has always been one of her goals.
