The FICG 39 closes with the presence of important industry experts and a tribute to Diego Luna and diverse and inclusive cinema

Over seven days of activities, the 39th edition of the Guadalajara International Film Festival came to an end, bringing together important experts from the audiovisual industry as well as new talents. One of the most emotional moments of the closing ceremony was the tribute to actor and producer Diego Luna, where the Maguey Award (the festival’s top prize) was also given to the film No Nos Moverán, directed by Pierre Saint Martin, and recognition was given to the work being done in Spain, the guest country of honor.

One of the characteristics of this festival, which strengthens year after year, is the support and promotion of diverse and inclusive content. Throughout the event, short films, documentaries, and feature films addressing themes involving indigenous peoples or the LGBTQ+ community, as well as social issues, were screened.

The event kicked off with a red carpet where personalities such as Diego Luna, Alfredo Castro, Ana de la Reguera, Ángeles Cruz, Marina de Tavira, Ludwika Paleta, Ofelia Medina, Arcelia Ramírez, and Luciana Kaplan paraded, along with the jury members and the talent from the competing films.

“I want to talk about what happens here, which is beautiful. This moment we are living in where there is brutal polarization in the world, it seems that everyone is on edge, that you can only be on one side or the other, and that there is no room for nuance. A festival like Guadalajara reminds us that yes, we can be here and have different religious beliefs, political views, and even football preferences, and yet we can still sit in the same cinema to celebrate an industry that accepts and welcomes us all. Let’s not forget this and send that message out,” said Luna, who received the Silver Mayahuel Award for his career from Estrella Araiza, the FICG’s general director.

During some days of the festival, the actor attended special screenings of his filmography, such as Estado de Silencio, Abel, and The Book of Life, and also spoke with the audience about the book focused on his professional career, Diego Luna: La Neta es Chida Pero Inalcanzable.

The Spanish community was present at this closing through C. Tangana, who appeared on the screen to recall his visit to Guadalajara with the premiere of his documentary film Esta Ambición Desmedida, accompanied by the Little Spain team. This highlighted the Community of Madrid, the Guest of Honor, which also brought other projects, some of which were featured in the video Así Fue, summarizing the activities from June 7 to 15, 2024.

“To strengthen our industry, on Saturday, June 8, within the framework of this Guadalajara International Film Festival, the Letter of Intent to create the National Cinematographic and Audiovisual Industry Observatory was signed. This is a first step to propose and promote public policies that encourage the sustainable development of the cinematographic and audiovisual industry in the country,” mentioned actor Andrés Zuno about this initiative, which was presented in a video, and who served as the master of ceremonies.

The tributes concluded with the presentation of the Mayahuel, the Ibero-American tribute to Chilean actor Alfredo Castro, who shared in this edition his acting method with an audience eager to learn more about the star of Tengo Miedo Torero (2020). The president of the FICG Board, Guillermo Arturo Gómez Mata, presented him with his statuette.

“I feel tremendously honored to receive this recognition on behalf of Ibero-American cinema, where our alliances and co-productions have allowed us to tell our stories, unfold new imaginaries, identities, and experiences, as well as strengthen the bridges of exchange based on common language and culture,” said the actor.

The closing screening was the film Types of Kindness, directed by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos. This national premiere presents a triptych fable following a man, with no choice, trying to take control of his life; a policeman alarmed because his wife, missing at sea, has returned and seems to be a different person; and a woman determined to find a specific person with a special ability destined to become a great spiritual leader.