When it comes to strong story lines and great character development, Chilean director Sebastián Lelio knows how to capture an audience. His cinematic efforts haven't gone unnoticed in the U.S. or abroad, and the award-winning director has been selected to join Sundance 2014's World Cinema Dramatic Jury.

Lelio's celebrated talent gained recognition in 2006 when his debut film, La Sagrada Familia, premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival -- and it made a global splash -- garnering many international prizes, including festivals in Austin, Buenos Aires, Geneva, Transylvania, Toulouse and Viña del Mar. All of his follow-up films have also made an impact in international fest circuits as well, according to Latinos at Sundance.

His second film, Navidad, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's special section Directors' Fortnight, while his third, El Año del Tigre, screened at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2011, winning the Junior Jury Award and getting nominated to the Golden Leopard.

Last year, his last film, Gloria, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it was a huge success. The feature won the prizes of the Ecumenical Jury and of the Guild of German Art House Cinemas. It also earned a Silver Bear for best actress for Chilean actress Paulina García.

Lelio appeared on KCAL9 News to dish about the film.

"'Gloria' is about a single woman 'of a certain age' who seeks love at social dance clubs for single adults. After spending many of her nights alone, Gloria meets Rodolfo, and her life takes a turn for the better."

While the film tackles aging and loneliness, it's "uplifting" at the same time, Lelio explains.

"It's a 'dramedy" -- where it's emotional, but at the same time you will laugh.

The film, which is Chile's official Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film, debuts in Los Angeles, Cailf. on Jan. 24.

Lelio joins Italian journalist, author and programmer Carlo Chatrian and Hong Kongese director Nansun Shi (Infernal Affairs, Late Autumn) in Sundance 2014's World Cinema Dramatic Jury.

How many films will compete in the World Cinema Dramatic category?

Twelve films hailing from Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom will compete in the diverse and exciting category.

Check out the official trailer for Gloria.