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THE FILM FESTIVAL IN GUADALAJARA BECOMES MORE INTERNATIONAL

- The most important mexican film contest will dedicate most of it, to the Iberoamerican Film, with the greatest world prize to a latino producer

The 20th edition, The Muestra de Cine mexicano en Guadalajara will modify its name and restructure its content with the purpose to become the International Film Festival in Guadalajara (March 11 to March 18, 2005). The festival’s main section will be dedicated to Iberoamerican Films with the prize of US $50,000, which is in the same level of other International festivals.

Raul Padilla, president of the Mexican festival board, commented: “We consider that since other festivals like la Habana or Huelva were experience a period of crisis, Guadalajara was the indicated to become the world Latin cinema reference, considering its location and experience, which was influenced by a market that is reaching its third edition.”

Furthermore, Kenya Marquez, director of the Festival, added: “ The value of the golden Mayahuel, lead to producers from Latin America, España, and Portugal to find Guadalajara more attractive”.

The main reason in the schedule changes is to reach a higher level of International promotion for the Mexican movies. We believe this could be achieved through a more competitive environment and to a wider expansion that tis festival will have in other countries. “We are sure that with the support from experts and the foreign press, We will hear more about the national movies in foreign countries”. Stated Padilla, who confirm that the main reason of the festival foundation is to benefit the Mexican industry.

In its 20th anniversary, the festival added an official competitive section, which will reward the best Iberoamerican fiction feature film with USD $50,000 given to the producer. The festival will also reward, best director with USD$10,000, best script, actor and actress as well as best photography and Best First Work. The Mexican Cine Horizon will also be very competitive, rewarding the best feature film with USD $10,000 that will be given to the movie’s producer. Also, the festival will reward best director, script, actor, and actress and public reward. The best director of a Mexican movie will be rewarded with a cash prize of USD$10,000. The winners will be selected from the spectator’s votes.