The 25th International Film Festival in Puerto Vallarta (FICPV) wrapped up successfully on June 16th, drawing over 1,500 film enthusiasts. Organized by the University of Guadalajara through the Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUCosta), the festival ran from June 13th and featured six feature films, eight short films, a MasterClass, and honored cinematic figures with the prestigious “Iguana de Oro” award.
The festival commenced with a MasterClass by filmmaker Arturo Montero at the Biblioteca Los Mangos, where he highlighted cinema’s power as an expressive tool for new generations. This was followed by the Opening Gala at the Dr. Juan Luis Cifuentes Lemus Auditorium, featuring the screening of Abracadáver by director Pancho Rodríguez, who received an “Iguana de Oro.”
Throughout the festival, films like DUVA by young director Jonathan Álvarez Peña, La Joia: Bad Gyal by David Camarero (Premio Maguey section), No, gracias, ya no fumo by Diego Toussaint, and Sobre las Olas by Horacio Alcalá were screened at venues including the Dr. Juan Luis Cifuentes auditorium, The Top Sky Bar, and Cinépolis Pitillal. The Ixtapa Dome and Cinépolis also served as alternate venues, showcasing short films from the “Mar en Corto” competition and “Hecho en Jalisco” productions like Hasta Pronto and Las hijas del viento, with filmmakers in attendance at the Universidad de la Vera Cruz’s multi-purpose hall.
The closing gala saw honors bestowed upon prominent figures in contemporary cinema: director Alejandra Márquez Abella, an Ariel Award winner, for her film A millones de kilómetros, and Spanish journalist David Martos. Both were recognized with the “Iguana de Oro.” The festival extended its gratitude to numerous sponsors and collaborators, including the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Promotion and Publicity Trust, Tafer Hotels & Resorts, Almar Group, and various local businesses and cultural institutions, for their crucial support in making the event a resounding success.
Source: Diario de Vallarta
