The film festival begins in San Miguel de Allende
Yesterday was a spectacular evening, as it marked the beginning of the Guanajuato International Film Festival at the Main Garden in San Miguel de Allende.
After the Santo and Lost Rider concerts, festival attendees wore their best clothing for the Red Carpet, including actors such as Marcela Guirado, Hoze Meléndez, Alan Estrada, Martha Claudia Moreno and hosts Damayanti Quintanar and Christian De la Luz. There was also a runway where models paraded with dresses and jewelry from Mexican designers who are a part of the Project Glamor.
The opening ceremony was honored with the presence of Guanajuato’s secretary of tourism María Teresa Matamoros Montes on behalf of Mr. Diego Sinhué, the governor of the State of Guanajuato, the undersecretary of federal culture, the president of the Film Development Council of the Philippines Mary Liza Diño, the director of the State Institute of Culture María Adriana Camarena, the director of Education and Culture Verónica Agundis on behalf of the mayor of San Miguel de Allende,. Mr. Ambassador of the Philippines Demetrio R. Tuason, as well as the founder and executive director of GIFF Sarah Hoch, among others.
The red carpet glistened with the arrival of the delegation from the Philippines, this year’s Spotlight Country which offers a unique opportunity to discover its ancient culture and history through its cinema.
The president of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Mary Liza Diño, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality of the people of San Miguel de Allende and the satisfaction that comes from being able to strengthen the cultural and historical ties that unite Mexico with the Philippines. She also expressed her hope that GIFF would serve as a showcase for the best of Filipino cinema.
Subsequently, a tribute was paid to one of the leading men of Mexican cinema: Juan Carlos Ruiz, who received the Silver Medal given by the UNAM Film Library as well as the Silver Cross, the highest award offered by the Guanajuato International Film Festival . The actor gave an emotional speech with which he thanked the generosity of Guanajuato, GIFF and the authorities that make this grand event possible. He reiterated that he owes everything to his audience and he gives us his entire soul.
For her part, Sarah Hoch reiterated how fortunate it is for the Festival to have an honoree of his caliber. She also thanked the work of those who make it possible for the festival to reach its twenty-second edition, the authorities that facilitate its existence and the delegation of the Philippines, which shares the best of its cinema during this edition of the festival. Finally, she thanked the audience and invited us to enjoy the festival before starting a fireworks show that marveled attendees, ending this inauguration on a spectacularly high note.
As the protocol event wrapped up, the Opening Film, Almacenados, directed by Jack Zhaga, was screened. This film earned our honoree José Carlos Ruiz, his sixth Ariel. He presented the film along with his co-star Hoze Meléndez.
The Guanajuato International Film Festival foresees days and nights filled with cinema, music, master classes, virtual reality and endless activities surrounding this art we are all passionate about. Check the program and join us in chanting … Más Cine Por Favor!