This Monday, the Los Cabos International Film Festival announced that it had canceled its 2023 edition “due to lack of financial support.” In an official statement, it is emphasized that such support (which it now lacks) was vital for the great film event to be able to carry out its past editions. Therefore, since there are not enough funds, this will be the first time that the film and movie community will not be able to enjoy the Baja Californian festival, which even in times of pandemic was able to get ahead in a hybrid format.
The festival’s statement does not provide further details about the financial support that was denied on this occasion. On the other hand, it does stress that its “viability and success” could be achieved in previous years “thanks to the contribution of public and private institutions, as well as a large number of sponsors.”
A hypothetical lack of sponsorships for the 2023 edition may be due to the current actors’ strike in Hollywood, which, in this case, prevents famous actors represented by SAG-AFTRA from parading and glamorizing the Los Cabos red carpet. In years past, the festival has been attended by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Robert De Niro, Reese Witherspoon, Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson and Adam Driver.
Until now, the Los Cabos International Film Festival had been able to be held without interruption since its first edition in 2012, when it originally bore the name of Baja International Film Festival. From then on, its objective was to “strengthen Mexico’s presence abroad, promote culture by boosting the national and international film industry, and promote tourism in Los Cabos.”
“For more than a decade, the Festival has been the epicenter of North American cinematography, bringing together Mexico, the United States and Canada in a space for cinematographic exchange and exploration,” the same statement read. “In each edition, the Festival has presented more than 40 films that address relevant social issues, through the most proactive narratives of national and international cinema. The galas, tributes and homages have brought together celebrities, the press, film professionals and the public, creating a multiple experience of high cinematography”.
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Along with announcing that Los Cabos 2023 has been cancelled, the festival’s communication area informs that the film registration cost will be reimbursed through the FilmFreeway platform, that is, the same system through which the film productions were registered. .
Antonio G. Spindola I have very bad memory. Out of solidarity with my memories, I choose to lose myself too. Preferably in a movie theater.