Rita is a 2024 dark fantasy horror film written, co-produced, co-edited and directed by Jayro Bustamante. It stars Giuliana Santa Cruz as a 13-year-old girl who, fleeing from her abusive father, is trapped in an institution managed by the state from whence she plans to escape with her cellmates in a violent act. The film is inspired by the 2017 tragedy. It is the first feature co-produced between Guatemala and the United States. Rita had its world premiere at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival on 25 July 2024, where it won the best Cinematography Award.

Synopsis

A 13-year-old girl named Rita manages to escape from her abusive father. She is taken in by a kind owner of a diner, where she finds solace for a time, until she is transferred to a state-run institution that is full of fantastic beings, super-powered girls who plan to destroy the witches and demons that rule the place and are waiting for her to carry out their escape plan.

Cast

Giuliana Santa Cruz as Rita Glendy Asturias Rucal as Gladys Ángela Joana Quevedo as Sulmi Alejandra Vásquez Carrillo as Bebé André Sebastián Aldana as "La Terca" Ernesto Molina Samperio as William María Telón as Celia Sabrina De La Hoz as Monitora Margarita Kenéfic as Ernestina Juan Pablo Olyslager as Police chief Guie Cuyun as Police officer

Production

Principal photography took place in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, lasting 3 months in Guatemala.

Release

It had its world premiere on July 25, 2024, at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival, then screened on September 25, 2024, at the 25th Calgary International Film Festival, and on October 5, 2024, at the 43rd Vancouver International Film Festival. It was commercially released on August 8, 2024, in Guatemalan theaters, then was released on November 22, 2024, on Shudder.

Accolades

References

External links

Rita at IMDb