GIFF gave birth to 3,500 filmmakers

Published July 13th, 2022

At least 3,500 filmmakers were born with the Guanajuato International Film Festival. There are 3,500 stories and dreams that had a window to be projected. For the state, the country, and internationally, GIFF represents a before and after in the film industry says its director Sarah Hoch.

“Some 3,500 filmmakers have passed through Giff, including University Rally, including Identity, residencies, films in development, script contests, samples, and industry,” recalls Sara of her 25 years as director of the state’s Film Festival.

In addition to the crew that accompanied each of the 3,500 directors, each year the Giff reached an audience of approximately 110,000 people. Although the pandemic changed the trend, the festival’s slogan “More cinema please” became a reality, winning over more than two million spectators in 1997, when it began under the title “Expresión en Corto” (Expression in Short).

What each of the attendees applauds in the different screenings and categories shown at the Giff is part of the efforts of young filmmakers who aspire to or have already conquered the big screen. However, participating and being selected by the Giff is far from easy, Sarah points out.

“We are very demanding with the films. They go back to edit, reshoot, edit, reshoot and reshoot until they are perfect. We ask for the same quality of filmmaking that we expect in the competitions.”

The quality with which we ask to participate is even better than that of the competition, says the director of the Giff, in addition to being an opportunity to promote and learn. The requirement also applies to the University Rally.

“They become ambassadors of Guanajuato’s stories abroad,” said the director.

GIFF’s 25th anniversary is ready

GIFF will celebrate its quarter-century from July 21 to 31; the venues are León from July 21 to 24, San Miguel de Allende from 25 to 28, and Irapuato from 28 to 31. This edition is made up of a range of cinema from around the world with the screening of 181 films, of which 128 will be in competition.

The anniversary will be the stage for the presentation of the Silver Cross and the Medal of the UNAM Film Archive to actress Adriana Barraza for her 50-year career. In addition, actress Blanca Guerra and producer Mónica Lozano will also receive the GIFF Silver Cross and the Muse at the Women in Film and Television tribute.