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[eltdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”” background_color=””]T[/eltdf_dropcaps]he 19th edition of the Guanajuato International Film Festival began on Friday July 22nd in San Miguel de Allende, where it was hosted for five days and filled the beuaitulf Human Heritage city with memorable moments through screenings, concerts, conferences, special guests and all the traditions that have come to define GIFF and have placed it as one of the leading platforms for young filmmakers and hungry cinephiles in Mexico. As it does every year, now the festival moves to Guanajuato City, but first we offer a recount of what the last few days were like for those who attended the events in San Miguel Allende.
The Main Garden was one of the most important locations for the festival. It was where the Music + Cinema program presented its concerts with performances by URSS bajo el Árbol, Troker, Capo, Camilo Séptimo, Vaya Futuro and Little Jesus, each with their own musicla style and fanbase (and in one case, a fanbase that came despite the weather conditions). It was also the place where the inauguration was held, where tribute was paid to premiere Mexican actress and current President of AMACC Dolores Heredia, as well as premiere Japanese actress Kaori Momoi. They both received a parade in their honor on Friday and the Silver Cross on the Main Garden stage. This was followed by the screening of Carlos Bolado’s short film Duermevela starring Kaori Momoi, followed by the inaugural film Mr. Pig, directed by Diego Luna (who sent a video from Toronto, since he wasn’t available to introduce the film in person). The Garden also received Naomi Kawase (to whom tribute will be paid in Guanajuato City) after a screening of her film Sweet Bean.
The Official Selection screenings and Special Screenings were held at the Ángela Peralta Theater, Bellas Artes and Cinemex Plaza la Luciérnaga room 8; screening that drew in a large crowd no matter the time of day. Other events included Dolores Heredia’s Master Class (with Diana Bracho and José Antonio de la Riva present), where the premiere actress reflected upon her career and her job as President of the Mexican Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; as well as the Utopia: Apocalyptic and Integrated conference where Dr. Román Esqueda reflected upon the state of technology today and how the debate between those that celebrate it and those who reject it is reflected in cinema (including the fear of one day being dominated by machines).
Of course, GIFF held its traditional special programs: Kids in Action had its Red Carpet at the Ángela Peralta Theater with the film Elephant the Horse and a workshop for kids to learn how we “cheat” our sight through Optical Toys. GIFF’s Movies with Mummy section was held at the San Miguel de Allende Municipal Cemetery where, to keep celebrating this year’s Spotlight Country, there were screenings of Japanese horror films Hausu, Kuime, Tetsuo and Ringu.
Thank you very much to San Miguel de Allende for once again hosting the Guanajuato International Film Festival and to all who attended the events! Stay tuned for what GIFF has in store for you these next few days in Guanajuato Cityl!
More Cinema Please!
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