14 Jun Guadalajara under the lights of the cinema: 38th International Film Festival

La Perla Tapatia became, once again, the epicenter of Ibero-American cinema during the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) 2023. With stars parading the red carpet and the excitement of packed movie theaters, the city vibrated with the magic of the seventh art.

The FICG, in its 38th edition, was a wonderful showcase of cinematic talent, but it was also much more than that. Known for its vibrant and enriching atmosphere, this event offered a unique lifestyle experience for all attendees and visitors to our city.

The event attracted a crowd of approximately 26,000 people who attended more than 240 screenings, including 194 films (95 in competition), 5 series, 15 films in the Industry and Market programs, and 68 short films. The presence of Italy as a guest country was also highlighted, with 13 films screened.

The FICG goes beyond cinema, it is an event that celebrates creativity and cinematographic ingenuity, creating a space to celebrate culture and art.

In its 38th edition, it concluded with a “Heroic” touch. The Mexican film directed by David Zonana, won the prestigious Prize from the International Federation of the Cinematographic Press (FIPRESCI). But “Heroico” was not satisfied with a single award, it also won the Mezcal award for Best Film and Fernando Cuautle, its protagonist, received the award for Best Actor.

The FICG Cineteca, located in the University Cultural Center (CCU) of the University of Guadalajara, was the main venue of the 38th Guadalajara International Film Festival. You can find 5 movie theaters, including the Sala Guillermo del Toro, inaugurated by the Guadalajara filmmaker in 2018 and is considered the best movie theater in Western Mexico. The Telmex Auditorium, the Museum of Arts, the Diana Theater and the Carlos Fuentes Bookstore were added as other notable venues during the festival.

The festival was also marked by nostalgia due to the recent death of FICG founder Raúl Padilla López, whose legacy and contributions to cinema were highlighted during the event.

This is how we experienced the 2023 Guadalajara International Film Festival, a demonstration of the passion for cinema that our city has. The FICG is much more than a series of screenings, it is a showcase of talent, a platform for emerging voices and a space for reflection through the lens of the seventh art. Until next year, we will keep the magic of cinema alive in Guadalajara.