Even though Brian DePalma is among the marquee Hollywood names invited to this year’s Guadalajara International Film Festival, the real draw for many in attendance at the seven day orgy of screenings, panels and competitions is the Latin American talent.

“Lake Tahoe,” the latest from Mexican director Fernando Embicke (“Duck Season”), the controversial Brazilian procedural “Tropa de Élite” (“The Elite Squad”) and “El Baño del Papa” (“The Pope’s Toilet”), co-directed by the cinematographer of “City of God,” are among the full-length features in competition.

The festival, which has been turning Mexico’s second most populous city into a cinephile’s paradise since 1986, has played an influential role in introducing Latin American filmmakers to world audiences. Other film festival directors attend and, in recent years, the organizers of the festival have also added a film market, which brings together film industry professionals from around the world.

This year’s edition also includes a tribute to Germán Valdés, aka Tin Tan, probably the most famous Mexican comedian besides Cantinflas. It runs through March 14.

Go to Guadalajara International Film Festival

Trailer for “Lake Tahoe”: