The AFI Latin American Film Festival has announced a 43-film programme led by Pedro Almodóvar’s “Bitter Christmas” and Diego Luna’s “Ashes”. Running from 16 September to 7 October in Silver Spring, Maryland, the event highlights Latin American filmmaking during National Hispanic Heritage Month and brings international festival titles to US audiences.

The festival opens with “The Match”, a documentary about Argentina and England’s 1986 World Cup meeting, and closes with Almodóvar’s film about two filmmakers facing creative stagnation. Other featured titles include Manuela Martelli’s post-Pinochet Chile thriller “The Meltdown” and Luna’s immigration drama “Ashes”; the selection represents 21 countries and includes 12 US or North American premieres.