The Michoacán capital swaps its usual quiet plazas for red carpets and popcorn storms as the Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia opens its twenty-fourth edition from October 16 to 25. With premieres, tributes, and enough international guests to fill a small airport, the event once again proves that Mexican cinema can throw a party without needing subtitles or excuses.
Jonás Cuarón’s *Campeón gabacho* kicks things off, following a scrappy migrant’s journey across the border armed with fists, charm, and a killer soundtrack featuring Los Tigres del Norte and Maluma. The film, produced by Alfonso Cuarón, already snagged the audience prize at SXSW and arrives in theaters October 29. Later, Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón receive the Medalla Filmoteca UNAM; Del Toro’s ceremony on October 18 at 15:00 will be followed by a twentieth-anniversary screening of *El laberinto del fauno*, complete with its signature blend of dark fantasy and Oscar-winning craftsmanship. A tribute to screenwriter Janet Alcoriza brings five restored titles and a photographic exhibition, while a remastered *Cómo fui a enamorarme de ti* reunites Los Bukis on October 17 for a meta-nineties road-trip comedy that still feels like yesterday’s gossip.
Four competition sections hand out the coveted Ojo statuette, judged this year by Juan Antonio Bayona and company. Outdoor screenings and industry panels fill the gaps between events, turning historic venues into temporary temples of moving images.
By the time the final credits roll, Morelia will have reminded everyone that cinema still thrives on live crowds, stubborn directors, and the occasional standing ovation that refuses to end on schedule.
