GIFF will return for 2021

Published May 15, 2021 (sp)

Although the Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF) is in mourning due to the death of its founder, Ernesto Herrera, this year it will return to the state capital.

This was confirmed by its director Sarah Hoch, who added that in addition to San Miguel de Allende, this year the municipality of Irapuato will once again host the Festival.

In an interview, she commented that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided that the Festival will be held during the last four months of the year, when health conditions are expected to improve.

“We are just letting the governments know the date and I need the approval of the State and Federal Government, although all the big film festivals have already agreed that we are going to the last four months of the year”.

Sarah Hoch commented that they are currently in the organization stage, since the audiovisual material exceeded expectations.

She commented that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a call for films of around 1,500 was expected, but more than 3,000 film productions were received, “we are in the selection process”.

She added that the production and edition of Identity and Belonging films was resumed, in addition to the fact that “we are working hard” on the University Rally.

“The Festival is in mourning for the loss of Ernesto (founder and husband of Sarah), but with the firm determination that the Festival will take place.”

The director of the Guanajuato International Film Festival, commented that for this edition there will not be a guest of honor country, because the sanitary conditions are not the same as in Mexico, “I think the guest country would return until 2022”.

Regarding the date on which GIFF will take place, she pointed out that it has already been decided, but she cannot make it known until they have the approval of the governments. However, she said that it could take place on the same dates in 2020, when it was held in September, “we hope that everyone will be vaccinated by that time”.

Finally, she assured us that the Guanajuato International Film Festival will adopt all the sanitary measures and recommendations established by the authorities to guarantee the health of the people of Guanajuato and the lovers of the so-called seventh art.