Monterrey Film Festival: A New Era of Collaboration and Innovation
A fresh vision for Monterrey’s cinematic landscape
With the appointment of Eva Ruiz de Chavez as the new L.A.-based producer, the 20th Monterrey Film Festival is set to elevate its industry arm. Scheduled from September 25 to October 2, the festival aims to foster collaboration and co-productions between Ibero-America and the U.S. The industry market, running from September 26 to 29, promises to be a hub of creativity and opportunity.
Elevating Monterrey’s cinematic profile
At a recent press conference, Ruiz de Chavez emphasized Monterrey’s dual identity as both an economic powerhouse and a burgeoning cinematic hub. “Monterrey not only stands out as one of the most thriving economies in Latin America but also as an epicenter of the industry in the country. With the launch of our Film Industry section, we aim to elevate Monterrey’s cinematic profile to match its economic recognition,” she stated.
Comprehensive industry program
The Monterrey Industry has curated a robust program featuring Work-in-Progress (WIP) sessions and ProMeetings. These initiatives are designed to connect creators with financiers and broaden opportunities for filmmakers in the global market. Out of 102 WIP submissions, seven titles were selected, while eight projects were chosen from 138 ProMeetings submissions.
Strategic partnerships and talent development
This year marks the consolidation of significant strategic relationships, including the participation of Hervé Aurbon from the Cannes Director’s Fortnight and a collaboration with the Latino Film Institute (LFI). This partnership aims to showcase projects by Latino filmmakers from the U.S. on the ProMeetings and WIP platforms.
Erika Sabel Flores, LFI’s VP of programs and innovation, hailed the alliance as “a milestone in our ongoing effort to forge new avenues for Latino filmmakers.” She added, “By fostering co-productions, we not only enrich the cinematic landscape but also open doors for Latino content in the global market.”
Two notable projects from LFI this year are “The Middle,” a drama by U.S.-based Sylvia Ray, and “Karukinka,” a Chile-U.S. co-production by Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz. Both will participate in ProMeetings.
Panels and discussions
The festival will host a variety of panels addressing talent, finance, and women in film:
Women in film panel
On September 26, a panel celebrating women in the industry will discuss challenges and strategies for inclusion. Panelists include Maikiko James, senior director of programs at Women in Film, and Christine Davila, creator of LAtinaSquad. This event will also feature the first LAtina Squad in Mexico, providing a platform for female executives from the U.S. and LATAM to connect.
Talent agents panel
Also on September 26, this panel will explore career representation and management in both Latin America and the U.S. Insights will be shared by Greta Fuentes of Macro, Yvette Herrera of UTA, and Joe S. Montifiore from Rafterman Media Emerson Machtus.
Financing panel
Scheduled for the morning of September 27, this panel will connect investors with filmmakers, discussing strategies for funding projects both within and outside Nuevo León. Notable panelists include Francisco Escalante, Emerson Machtus, and Paul Perez.
Additional panels
Other panels include a Transborder Co-production talk led by producers Santiago Lopez and Sandino Saravia of Cimarron Cine, and discussions on music as a content creator with HBO Max’s ‘Vgly’ as a case study.
Workshops and development
The festival will also offer various workshops aimed at emerging talent:
Acting workshop by Mariana Silva
This workshop provides a space for emerging actors to learn techniques and tips from Silva, a renowned actress and casting director.
Short film distribution workshop by Belicosa
This workshop offers practical advice on introducing short films to the global market.
Project development workshops by CENTRO
Intensive sessions on creating and pitching film projects, providing practical tools and real opportunities for filmmakers.
Highlighted WIP projects
The selected WIP projects showcase a diverse range of stories and styles:
- A Lifetime: A coming-of-age drama by Ariel Gutierrez from Mexico.
- Against Nature: A gripping tale by Axel Cuevas de Chaunac from Mexico.
- Bubble Nest: A family drama by Paloma Serna Ramones from Mexico.
- Daughters for a Time: A poignant story by Matias Scarvaci from Argentina.
- Little Man: A unique narrative by Miguel Nuñez from Mexico and the U.S.
- The Place Where the Sun is Born: A cultural journey by Jorge García and Laura Bermúdez from Honduras.
- Reportage: A documentary by Nicolás Gutiérrez from Mexico.
ProMeetings projects
The selected ProMeetings projects include:
- 6 meses en el edificio rosa con azul by Bruno Arnaldo Santamaría Razo.
- Americana by Mauricio Miguel Calderon Rico.
- La vida azarosa de Javier Sánchez by Karla Paulina Sánchez.
- Las buenas decisiones by Valentina Gedanke Abelenda and Josefina Trías.
- El intermediario by Izabel Acevedo.
- Tres enigmas para Luis Morla by Nicolas Turjanski.
- The Middle by Sylvia Ray.
- Karukinka by Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz.
ProMeetings series
- As de diamantes by Libia Stella Gómez.
- Noreste 5.1 by Fernando Fidel Urdapilleta Jimenez and José Ramón Chávez Delgado.
- ¿Quién demonios es Sylvia Pop? by Armando Padilla Sánchez.
The Monterrey Film Festival is poised to be a transformative event, fostering new collaborations and showcasing the rich talent of Ibero-America. With its comprehensive program and strategic partnerships, the festival is set to make a significant impact on the global cinematic landscape.