As a seasoned film enthusiast with roots deeply embedded in Mexican cinema, I must say that the Monterrey International Film Festival‘s 20th edition promises to be a grand spectacle not to be missed! The festival’s strategic expansion and fresh initiatives are a testament to its commitment to nurturing bold, innovative voices from around the globe.
The Monterrey International Film Festival in Mexico is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by introducing inaugural industry programs, strengthening its schedule, and welcoming fresh team members as it strives to enhance its global reputation. The festival will take place from September 25 to October 2 at Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, and will feature two new industry initiatives, WIP and ProMeetings, as the main attractions.
Lorena Villarreal, president of the festival board, is leading the organization of this upcoming event that will showcase a collection of exceptional films from prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Tribeca, and Sundance. The festival aims to strengthen its connections in the industry by serving as a link between the U.S., Iberoamerica, and Mexico, while also bolstering the local film industry in Nuevo Leon with additional programs and notable figures to be revealed shortly. Among the films to be presented are Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” Agathe Riedinger’s debut work “Wild Diamond” (which premiered at Cannes), the award-winning documentary “Sugarcane” by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, and “Another End” by Piero Messina.
To further its growth strategy from last year, the festival has strengthened its staff by bringing on board Diana Cobos as the new general manager, and Eva Ruiz de Chávez, a Los Angeles-based Mexican producer, as the industry manager. These roles were previously held by Diana Cadavid.
Abraham González remains the leader of the programming department, while Álvar Carretero maintains his role as head of International Public Relations and Talent.
As a cinephile this year, I am thrilled to be part of an event that not only honors our cinematic history but also pushes the boundaries towards a future brimming with originality, ingenuity, and audacity. Our goal is to amplify fresh, unconventional viewpoints, ones that may be young in spirit rather than in years. To put it simply, Nuevo León’s vibrant energy is palpable in the programming we have curated, as well as in the very essence of our festival.
In a city known for its substantial student population, second only to the capital, Cobos shared with EbMaster that about half, or 52%, of the festival’s audience is made up of students. She emphasized that this makes the “Best Student Short Film” award even more meaningful. Moreover, she mentioned that educational activities are in the works for both this year and the next, with several universities within the city, many of which support the festival, playing a role in these events.
Programmer González is responsible for selecting approximately 70 films for the festival’s complete schedule, which will be revealed on August 15th. The competition includes eight categories that span international and domestic features, documentaries, and short films. Additionally, there is a category specifically for movies filmed in the Nuevo Leon region of Monterrey.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that starting next week, Arnold’s “Bird” will kick off the cinematic extravaganza in Monterrey, while Messina’s “Another End” will bring the curtains down as we bid adieu. Both of these films are making their grand debut in Latin America!
Additional noteworthy titles premiering in Mexico at the festival are “Dog on Trial” by Laetitia Dosch, which was shown in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, “Witches,” a documentary that won at Tribeca by Elizabeth Sankey, and “Bring Them Down,” a thriller starring Barry Keoghan, directed by Chris Andrews.
As a passionate movie critic, I’m excited to share that the Monterrey Film Festival is introducing a new section titled “Monterrey Classics.” This special segment will highlight timeless international and Mexican masterpieces, starting with Wim Wenders’ “Paris, Texas” – a film that has been beautifully restored this year. The digital restoration was done at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna. This refurbished version had its grand debut at Cannes Classics on May 24, 2024, and we’re honored to host the Mexican premiere of this classic right here at our festival. According to González, it’s a privilege to bring this cinematic gem to our audience.
As a passionate fan, I’m thrilled about the new initiatives, Work in Progress (WIP Monterrey) and ProMeetings, that the festival is introducing. These programs are designed to act as a bridge, fostering connections between the entertainment industries in the U.S., Mexico, and Ibero-America.
Several businesses have already agreed to sponsor awards, with esteemed Mexican studio Estudios Churubusco taking the lead by presenting the primary post-production prize alongside a Latin American all-in-one solution, Labo. Mandarina Cine will hand out the award for Mexican distribution, while Hasan Estudio will present the sound mix prize. Further prizes will be revealed in the coming days.
As a passionate film enthusiast and resident of Nuevo León, I am thrilled to be part of this year’s celebration that combines innovation, creative diversity, and sustainable growth for our local cinema industry. Having grown up in this vibrant region, I have seen the potential it holds and the strides it has made in recent years. It is a privilege to contribute to the development of our film industry, not only because it provides opportunities for artists but also because it strengthens our cultural identity as Mexicans. Building cultural bridges through cinema is essential, as it allows us to share our stories with the world and learn from others’ experiences. Let us continue to support our local talent and foster a thriving film ecosystem in Nuevo León and Mexico.
“In light of increasing obstacles for U.S. Latino creators, such as reduced budgets and fewer approved projects at home, it’s crucial to inform them about the incentives and possibilities available in Latin America,” she pointed out.
WIP Monterrey assists first and second-time filmmakers in the post-production phase who are delving into topics of representation, diversity, and social concerns. This program provides extensive help with post-production, distribution, and marketing, accepting submissions from July 15 to August 15. So far, they’ve received around 20 submissions, and at least six of these will be selected.
The ProMeetings event, happening from September 26th through the 29th, offers chances for networking and collaboration on works still in progress. So far, they’ve received approximately 50 submissions, according to Ruiz de Chavez, who is delighted by the quality of the projects being presented.
7 movie ideas and 7 TV show concepts will be chosen to be pitched to global producers, distributors, and investors. These projects will also contend for different awards designed to boost their international distribution and growth.
With significant backing from both public and private entities, as well as federal support, the festival aims to become Mexico’s premier international film event and a key creative center within the nation.
In essence, being the economic hub of Nuevo León, Monterrey advantages itself by holding the highest individual income rate across Mexico, thereby amplifying its prospects even more.
For the 20th edition, our principal supporters and partners are the Secretaría de Cultura del Gobierno de México, the Secretaría de Cultura de Nuevo León, the Secretaría de Turismo de Nuevo León, the French Embassy in Mexico, LVT, Barraca, Canacine Nuevo León, Cinépolis, Parque Fundidora, Grupo Milenio, Publimetro, Sigma, and several universities in the area including TEC de Monterrey, UDEM, UANL, and UNICA.
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2024-08-07 16:47