The second day of the 2024 Los Cabos International Film Festival was full of memorable moments, from debates on the digital impact on the film industry to high-quality national premieres that highlighted Mexican talent.

Panel: “From the movie theater to your pocket”

At Cinemex Puerto Paraíso, experts such as Arturo Aguilar, Christine Dávila, Miguel Araiza and Ricardo Pacheco, under the moderation of Ileana Rodríguez, analyzed how digital platforms and social networks are revolutionizing the way audiences consume cinema. Among the topics discussed were content personalization, digital strategies and interactivity, with an emphasis on the creation of accessible and inclusive experiences that transcend the screen.

Mexican Cinema on the International Stage

National cinema shined with the presentation of two outstanding films:

Sujo, selected to represent Mexico at the 2025 Oscars, tells the story of a child's struggle to escape the cycle of family violence in a rural setting in Michoacán. The film, hailed as “the best Mexican film of 2024,” combines an emotional and raw narrative with a powerful visual aesthetic.

El Jokey, part of the Encuadres Mexicanos Sin Fronteras category, also stood out for its thematic originality and style.

The Drama and Comedy of Corina

The film Corina, directed by Urzula Barba and starring Naian González Norvind, captivated the public with its mix of drama and comedy. The story follows a young agoraphobic woman from Guadalajara who, when faced with a work error, discovers new perspectives on life. Winner of the press award at the Guanajuato International Film Festival, Corina reaffirms the ability of Mexican cinema to address complex human realities with sensitivity and humor.

A Promising Future for the Festival

The Los Cabos International Film Festival continues to position itself as a vital space for the projection of fresh and contemporary perspectives. The conversations and films presented so far promise more emotions and surprises in the coming days.

Which film from the festival sparks your interest the most? Sujo, Corina or another one from the event's special program.

The event was held at Crania, an iconic space in Los Cabos that combines art and music, and is now expanding into cinema

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur. Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The Los Cabos International Film Festival: Encuentros de Cine, began its long-awaited 2024 edition with an emotional opening ceremony at Crania, a setting for unique experiences that combines art, music, gastronomy and sustainability. In an open-air screening under the stars, where guests and the public gathered to enjoy a magical night, the Latin American Premiere of Better Man, the latest film by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), took place, which follows the life of British singer Robbie Williams, one of the most important pop stars in the world.

The opening ceremony was chaired by the journalist and Director of Sensacine Mexico, Cristina Ibañez, who welcomed the attendees, highlighting the growth and transformation of the festival, which this year extends to new venues in San José del Cabo, further consolidating its presence and commitment to cinema.

Also present were Alfonso Pasquel Bárcenas, President of Los Cabos Arte y Cultura A.C., who celebrated the importance of the Festival as an element that strengthens tourism and local culture, Fernando Ojeda Aguilar, Undersecretary of Tourism and Economy of the Government of Baja California Sur, Tania Covarrubias, Director of the Institute of Culture and Arts of Los Cabos; and José José Miguel Álvarez Ibargüengoitia, General Coordinator of the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINE). Festival Directors Alejandra Paulín, Executive Director, and Maru Garzón, Artistic Director, addressed the attendees, celebrating the diversification of this year's film program and the close link between the festival and the film community.

Alejandra Paulín, Executive Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the return of the Festival after a break that allowed the Festival to strengthen its vision. For her part, Maru Garzón, highlighted the diversity and plurality of national cinema, as well as the international premieres linked by music that this year are part of the program and that will be screened in the impressive natural settings of Los Cabos.

From December 4 to 8, 2024, Los Cabos will become the epicenter of world cinema with the twelfth edition of the Los Cabos International Film Festival. This event, recognized for its focus on Mexican and international cinema, brings a selection of films that address relevant and moving themes, consolidating itself as a cultural bridge between Mexico and the world.

Exclusive Premieres and Connection with Music

The opening gala will kick off with the screening of "Better Man," a bold biography directed by Michael Gracey about pop icon Robbie Williams. This film, along with others such as "Maria," directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie, highlights the power of music as a universal language. Jolie plays Maria Callas, the legendary opera singer, in a performance that is already shaping up to be worthy of an Oscar.

Mexican Frames: A Journey to the Heart of National Cinema

The festival celebrates the best of national cinema through its Encuadres Mexicanos section, which brings together six films produced in the last year. These stories, from the agoraphobic protagonist of "Corina" to the exciting search for justice in "No Nos Moverán," offer an intimate portrait of the social and cultural complexities of Mexico.

Among the most notable titles is "La Raya," directed by Yolanda Cruz, which explores the dreams and challenges in a forgotten town. Likewise, "Un Cuento de Pescadores," by Edgar Nito, intertwines mythology and social criticism through the mysterious figure of "La Miringua."

Cinema Without Borders and Global Co-Productions

Thanks to international collaborations, the Encuadres Mexicanos Sin Fronteras program takes audiences to new narrative latitudes. Films such as "El Jockey," a co-production of Mexico, Spain and Argentina, and "El Ladrón de Perros," which connects Bolivia, Mexico and Europe, broaden audiences' perspectives on universal themes such as identity and family.

In addition, the festival addresses the transformation of the cinematic experience with discussions such as "From the Movie Theater to the Pocket," which reflects on the impact of streaming on consumer habits, and "Mexico: A Cinema Without Borders," where experts debate the internationalization of Mexican cinema.

Unique Settings for Memorable Experiences

The stunning landscapes of Los Cabos, from the Puerto Los Cabos Sculpture Garden to Plaza Mijares, become settings for unique screenings. These spaces not only enhance the natural beauty of Baja California Sur, but also transform each screening into a multisensory experience.

Closing with a Golden Clasp

The festival will conclude with the presentation of "Maria," a tribute to one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. This closing promises to be as impactful as the rest of the event, leaving the audience with reflections on art, music, and humanity.

The 2024 Los Cabos International Film Festival not only celebrates the art of cinema, but also reaffirms its commitment to cultural diversity and narrative innovation. In this edition, Los Cabos will not only be a dream tourist destination, but also a beacon for global cinematic creativity.

Cabo Pulmo is known as ‘The Aquarium of the World’ and its history is an international example of environmental conservation. Located 90 kilometers from San José del Cabo, its impressive coral reef – 20,000 years old – is home to more than 800 marine species such as turtles, manta rays, bull sharks and, between December and March, the majestic humpback whales.

With its rustic charm and vibrant biodiversity, the history of this paradise is a global example of conservation. In the late 1980s, Cabo Pulmo was facing an environmental crisis caused by overfishing. It was then that local families decided to turn things around, choosing to protect its natural wealth.

This effort culminated in 1995 with its naming as a National Marine Park. Since then, its ecosystem has flourished: fish biomass increased by 463% in just one decade, an achievement recognized worldwide.

Cabo Pulmo is the must-see destination for those seeking underwater adventure. Its crystal-clear waters, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C depending on the season, offer visibility of up to 20 meters, making it an ideal space for diving or snorkeling to explore its impressive biodiversity, where bull sharks, manta rays and colorful tropical fish coexist in perfect harmony.

Cabo Pulmo is a model of sustainable tourism. Its community carefully controls the number of daily visitors, ensuring that the environmental impact is minimal. Many of the local tour operators and restaurants adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy and eliminating disposable plastics.

The gastronomy, for example, reflects this commitment. Visitors can enjoy fresh dishes prepared with local ingredients, such as ceviche, grilled seafood and fish tacos, while supporting the community economy.

The tranquility and beauty of Cabo Pulmo have captured the attention of international media such as National Geographic, which rated it as one of the best diving destinations in the world. This recognition, along with its inclusion as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2005, positions it as a unique place on the global tourism map.

However, Cabo Pulmo is much more than a place to visit. It is a reminder that collaboration between communities, scientists and governments can achieve the unthinkable: reversing environmental damage and bringing life back to an endangered ecosystem.

Visiting Cabo Pulmo is not only a gift for the soul, but also a way to support the conservation of one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet. Because here, every reef, every fish and every sunrise tells a story of resilience and love for nature.