Eric del Castillo, our first actor, receives the Silver Cross

As the Inauguration’s main event, GIFF paid tribute to premier actor Eric Del Castillo. Rosa Maria Bianchi, premier actress and Eric’s friend, introduced a brief video homage created by the Guanajuato International Film Festival by taking scenes of his most famous films and interviews with family and friends. Once finished, Eric Del Castillo took the stage where he gave a speech. He humbly spoke about his beginnings as an actor and thanked the 60 years of his life devoted to his calling that he was fortunate enough to find in film. He extended a few words to the Turkish ambassador: “I want to go to Turkey to say as many nice things about your country as you said to me tonight.” To close, he thanked his wife and family, and above all advised young people who wish to follow that line of work to never lose faith or momentum. As part of the tribute, Eric Del Castillo received from Sarah Hoch the Silver Cross, given each year to our honorees as well as a gift on behalf of the Governor of Guanajuato, Miguel Marquez Marquez. To close out the night, Love and Mercy, directed by Bill Pohland, was presented as the festival’s Inauguration feature.