The film Radical tells a story inspired by real events. It stars renowned Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez, who plays the role of a teacher who must deal with insecurity in Matamoros, Tamaulipas on the border between Mexico and the United States. The situation forces the teacher to explore new methods of education for his students. The film, directed by Christopher Zalla, won Festival Favorite at Sundance this past weekend.

Another film features Latino actor Daniela Quiroz, who took home the Jonathan Oppenheim Award for Best Editing for her work in the film Going Varsity In Mariachi. This film, which debuted in the documentary category, portrays the competitive mariachi world in high schools in the United States.

“With tough love, finely tuned empathy, and a fiery passion for the music, coach Abel Acuña guides the varsity band through a steep competition season and a fraught year in their adolescent lives. Team captains Abby, Marlena, and Bella prove the value of the skills taught in the band room as they navigate life’s challenges on and off the stage with grace, immutable work ethic, and total charm," reads the synopsis. 

“A joyful edit that carries the heart of the characters while still exploring difficult and sensitive issues in a delicate and beautiful way. We deeply care for our heroes and the spirit of life on the border,” reads the jury citation. 

Quiroz is joined by Chilean director Maite Alberdi, who won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary with La memoria infinita (The Eternal Memory). The film tells the story of the fight against Alzheimer's by the journalist Augusto Góngora and his partner, the actress Paulina Urrutia, who have been together as a couple for 25 years.

“This film opened our hearts by bringing us closer to the meaning of life and death, and the element that threads sense into all of it – love. Through a simple yet complex portrayal of a confinement, it brings us to the lives of these fascinating characters who make us wiser and more loving the longer we stay with them. The World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary goes to The Eternal Memory,” said the jury.

The Sundance International Film Festival ran from Jan. 19 to 29. The complete list of award-winning productions is available on its website.