From December 4 to 8, the Los Cabos International Film Festival once again fills the Californian Gulf with cinematic culture. With a renewed format and a firm mission to showcase the best of contemporary cinema, this year the festival brings its long-awaited program “Encuadres Mexicanos” and unique screenings in iconic locations in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

An Opening Party at Crania with “Better Man”

The festival will kick off on December 4 at the multi-sensory space Crania, with the Latin American premiere of “Better Man (2024),” a vibrant biographical docudrama about the life of iconic British singer Robbie Williams. Under the direction of Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” this production offers an intimate look at Williams’ career and personal challenges. The location, which combines art, nature and music, promises an unforgettable opening experience for attendees.

Movie Night at Hotel El Ganzo: “Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie”

The festival program also includes a special outdoor movie night at Hotel El Ganzo, where the film “Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie” will be presented. This film, directed by Kirill Serebrennikov, is an adaptation of the life of Edouard Limonov, a Russian poet and novelist, whose impact left a mark in New York and Paris before becoming a controversial figure in Russia. The screening, under the starry sky and in an exclusive setting, will culminate with a live music session.

Closing event at the Puerto Los Cabos Sculpture Garden with “Maria”

The closing event, on December 7 at the Puerto Los Cabos Sculpture Garden, promises another unique moment with the Mexican premiere of “Maria (2024),” starring Angelina Jolie in the role of the famous soprano Maria Callas. Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film explores the last week of Callas’ life in Paris, exploring her solitude and artistic legacy. This film completes a trilogy by Larraín dedicated to iconic figures of the 20th century.

Mexican Frames: A Space for National Talent

The festival, faithful to its commitment to promote Mexican cinema, presents this year the series Encuadres Mexicanos, which includes ten recent feature films in which Mexico collaborates with countries such as Spain, the United States and France. These films offer an in-depth look at social and cultural issues and range from documentary to fiction. Among the titles to be screened are “Animal/Humano” by Alessandro Pugno and “Nómadas de la 57” by Alberto Arnaut Estrada and José María Castro Ibarra. Each screening will be accompanied by a question and answer session with its creators, giving the public an opportunity to learn about the challenges and creativity behind each story.

Support for New Talents with the Gabriel Figueroa Film Fund

The Gabriel Figueroa Film Fund, a pillar of the festival, supports filmmakers in the development stage. This year, six first and second Mexican film projects will receive mentoring from prominent figures in the industry, such as producer Nicolás Celis and filmmaker Lila Avilés. Among the selected projects are “Cómo se hace para volver” by Carlos Morales and “Señor Metro” by Isabel Vaca and Arturo Mendicutti. This support contributes to the growth of the Mexican film industry, promoting innovation and quality in national cinema.

Workshops for Local Filmmakers and Open Conversations

The festival also has a special workshop for filmmakers from Baja California Sur, with mentoring on production and project development given by producer Eréndira Núñez Larios. Eight filmmakers from the region will participate in this program, demonstrating the festival's commitment to the growth of local talent. In addition, the event will offer two free-access conversations: Mexico: Cinema without Borders, which addresses international co-production, and From the movie theater to your pocket, on digital transformation and accessibility in cinema.

Baja Inspira Itinerante: Free Cinema for All

As part of its mission to bring cinema to everyone, the festival presents the program “La Baja Inspira Itinerante”, with free screenings in different communities of Baja California. This cycle will conclude on November 29 and 30 at Playa Costa Azul, with the screening of “Chèche Lavi: Buscando una vida” by Sam Ellison and Yūrei (ghosts) by Sumie García.

The Los Cabos International Film Festival continues its work of enriching the cultural and cinematographic scene of Baja California Sur, offering a unique space for the celebration of cinema and cultural exchange in a paradisiacal setting.