Puerto Vallarta has long been a Hollywood hideaway and international celebrity sanctuary, but this month the former fishing village will be swimming with stars from around the world for the Eighteenth Annual Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival (FICPV). Taking place March 12-23 at the University of Guadalajara‘s Centro Universitario de la Costa, the event brings together actors, film directors and other silver screen talent from around the world. Moviegoers will enjoy twelve consecutive days of a selection of more than 40 films from Mexico and the world — all free to attend.
Visitors can get a glimpse of such notable names as Mexican movie, theater and television actress, Gabriela Roel; Nicaraguan movie and television actress, Camila Selser; Mexican actors Erick Elías and Francisco de la Reguera; the director and producer of the HBO television network, Dan Attias (US); and actor and screenwriter, Mark O’Halloran (Ireland).
This year’s films are divided into eleven sections: Official, Academic, Senior, Environmental, Cross-border Cinema, Short Films, Echoes of the Cork Film Festival, Gourmet, Children, Musical and Maguey Awards. One of this year’s highlights is the Mexico premiere of the 3D documentary, “The Wonders of the Sea,” directed by Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau, and narrated by American actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
FICPV wouldn’t be complete without the delivery of the “The Golden Iguana” award, the festival’s highest award, given to prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the world of cinema. The medal has become a beacon of the festival and one of the most representative symbols of Puerto Vallarta.
To learn more FICPV, visit http://www.ficpv.cuc.udg.mx/programa.