The Los Cabos International Film Festival concluded its 2024 edition with a tribute to Mexican talent that has transcended borders. This year, Manuel García-Rulfo was awarded the “Sin Fronteras” Award, a recognition that celebrates his outstanding career in international cinema and his role as a bridge between the Mexican film industry and the most important productions in the world.

During an emotional press conference, García-Rulfo shared reflections on his career, the challenges of making his way in Hollywood, and his future ambitions. “It’s nice to be recognized in a career that has given me so much. That a festival like this recognizes you makes me happy,” he said humbly.

An unexpected beginning and a destiny marked by talent

Manuel García-Rulfo, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, began his career with an interest in photography and film as a director. However, fate led him to acting thanks to an unexpected turn while he was studying in Los Angeles. “I took a still photography course and they contacted me for a casting. Acting caught me again with Bless Me, Última and from there the path was opened. I am fortunate to be able to be there as well as here in Mexico,” he commented.

With a filmography that includes productions such as The Magnificent Seven, directed by Antoine Fuqua, and A Man Called Otto, alongside Tom Hanks, García-Rulfo has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to different genres and contexts. More recently, he starred in Pedro Páramo, directed by Rodrigo Prieto, consolidating his place as a versatile actor committed to his art.

The fight for authentic roles and Mexican representation

During the talk, García-Rulfo reflected on the challenges of being a Mexican actor in Hollywood, where representation has historically been limited. “Yes, they put you in a box, but now it is much more open. The careers of Diego Luna, Gael García and Melissa Barrera are opening paths organically,” he said.

The actor also spoke of the importance of choosing projects that resonate with his ideals. “I always look at the script, if it moves me, I go there. Then I look at the team: director, scriptwriter or photographer. But there are also projects where you feel something forced, like including a Mexican without the story requiring it. When it is authentic, it is incredible,” he explained.

In this context, he shared a piece of advice given to him by Denzel Washington, with whom he worked on The Magnificent Seven: “One of the talents of an actor is knowing how to say no to projects. But you also have to eat. It is a balance between working and acting in what you really want to tell.”

A future behind the camera

In addition to his successful career as an actor, Manuel García-Rulfo revealed his plans to venture into directing. “I wanted to be a director before being an actor. Now I am adapting a novel and preparing to make my first project. I hope to do it as best as I can,” he commented.

His ambitions do not stop there. García-Rulfo expressed his desire to work on international projects in countries such as France or Argentina, and to collaborate with filmmakers whom he deeply admires. “We must continue chipping away,” he said, underlining his commitment to continued growth in his career.

A tribute to talent without borders

The “Sin Fronteras” Award recognizes not only García-Rulfo’s career, but also his role as an ambassador of Mexican talent abroad. His participation in global productions has shown that cinema is a universal language capable of connecting cultures and telling powerful stories.

With a combination of humility, talent and vision, Manuel García-Rulfo continues to open doors for a new generation of Mexican artists on the international stage. His legacy, marked by his ability to break barriers and redefine narratives, consolidates him as one of the great exponents of contemporary cinema.

The Los Cabos International Film Festival concluded with this emotional celebration, reaffirming its commitment to promote and honor talent that transcends borders, such as that of Manuel García-Rulfo, whose impact resonates throughout the world.