Guanajuato Film Festival opens with tribute to actress Cecilia Suárez

The 29th edition of the Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF), a major hub for cinema in Mexico, commenced with a tribute to acclaimed Mexican actress Cecilia Suárez. Held at the Teatro Juárez in the state capital, the festival honored Suárez with the Silver Award 'Más Cine' and the Filmoteca UNAM Medal, recognizing her pivotal role in the growth of Mexican filmmaking.

Suárez, known for her work with directors like Tommy Lee Jones and Luis Estrada, and her role in the international series 'La casa de las flores,' is a prominent figure in contemporary Mexican cinema. She acknowledged the collective nature of her career, thanking fellow actors and mentors who supported her journey. "The path of an actress is difficult to understand far from collective work," she stated, emphasizing the importance of her collaborators and teachers.

GIFF president Sarah Hoch and UNAM's Director General of Cinematographic Activities, Hugo Villa, highlighted Suárez's integral place in Mexican film history. Hoch expressed gratitude for her contributions, saying, "Thank you for filling our lives with films. I ask for more cinema for years and years." Suárez is also actively involved in global women's rights advocacy as a Global Ambassador for the Spotlight Initiative, focusing on eradicating gender-based violence and femicide.

The festival opened with the film 'Palestine 36' (2025), presented by its lead actor, Karim Daoud Anaya. The movie depicts the 1936-1939 Arab revolt against British colonial rule in Palestine and has been chosen to represent Mexico in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars. Anaya noted the film's relevance amid current events, stating, "The genocide continues to happen, it never stopped. I hope the film makes you reason."

The GIFF runs until July 27 in Guanajuato city.