The Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) celebrates its four decades of existence, consolidating its position as one of the most important cultural events in Latin America. Founded as the Mexican Film Showcase in a challenging environment for the national industry, it is now a key meeting point for creators, producers, and film buffs.
The 40th edition will take place from June 6 to 14, with a special program that highlights its history and international reach.
“Forty years is easy to say, but it’s not easy to achieve this milestone and achieve the growth the Festival has achieved. It was born in a complex context for national cinema and has contributed greatly, not only to Mexico but also to Ibero-American and world cinema,” said Guillermo Arturo Gómez Mata, President of the FICG Board of Trustees. For the first time, Portugal will be the Festival’s Guest of Honor. The FICG Portugal Showcase includes more than 30 films ranging from classics to contemporary works, with notable names such as Pedro Costa, Manoel de Oliveira, and Avelina Prat. This presence reinforces the Festival’s international character, which seeks to build bridges between cinematographic works with distinct, yet universal, visions.
What economic and cultural impact does the FICG have in Jalisco?
With an investment exceeding 31 million pesos (contributed by the University of Guadalajara, the State Government, and several municipalities), the FICG has established itself as a driver of cultural and economic development. Guadalajara alone increased its investment from 5 to 6 million pesos this year.
“The state government maintains its contribution, and Guadalajara increased it last year. Zapopan remains committed with 2 million, bringing the total to 15 million, which makes us very happy,” said Gómez Mata.
Estrella Araiza, director of FICG, emphasized: “It’s quite an achievement, and it also helps us understand the significance of a cultural project that has been built by many minds over time.”
What’s new in this year’s program?
The FICG40 program includes 170 films, both short and feature-length, with 114 in competition. Among the new features is the new Genre Film section, dedicated to horror, fantasy, and science fiction films.
The opening film will be Soy Frankelda, the first Mexican feature film in stop-motion. In addition, the Festival will pay tribute to actress Dolores Heredia with the Mayahuel de Plata Award and producer Mónica Lozano with the Mayahuel Industria Award. The careers of Denisse Guerrero, vocalist of Belanova, and Chilean trans actress Daniela Vega will also be recognized.
What’s next for cinema in Jalisco?
Beyond the celebration, the FICG aims to strengthen the audiovisual industry in Jalisco. In coordination with Filma Jalisco, they are seeking schemes to reward local productions and encourage investment.
“We are in talks, and there is much greater desire for collaboration. We have always been involved in public policy. The state’s film law was introduced here, and we continue working to make Jalisco a national benchmark,” said Araiza.
The FICG not only exhibits films, it promotes them. And, 40 years after its founding, it continues to project the future.
Source: milenio
