Guanajuato Film Festival to showcase AI-made shorts in 2026

The 29th edition of the Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF), scheduled from July 24 to August 2, 2026, will spotlight short films created with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The festival will also host discussions on the purported benefits of automation within the film industry.

Festival director Sarah Hoch expressed a nuanced view on AI, stating, "Five years ago I wanted to call attention to something (AI) that is coming, three years ago we felt that human value must be supported. Light is born within us, no one better to tell our human experiences." She championed human capital over AI, while also recognizing AI's "explosive and very transcendent economic" trend. Hoch noted that GIFF aims to explore complex territory and trends with its technology-focused sections, including virtual reality, which will screen up to 15 films.

"Commercial cinema is similar to what AI can do, and what we present is a discussion around what we can do differently," Hoch said. The festival will be split between Guanajuato city from July 24-28 and San Miguel de Allende from July 29 to August 2, where the closing ceremony will be held. The opening film will be the Palestinian-British co-production 'Palestine 36,' directed by Annemarie Jacir. The San Miguel de Allende opening will feature the documentary 'Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror.'

Mexican actresses Marina de Tavira and Cecilia Suárez, along with producer Inna Payán, will receive the festival's highest distinction, the Silver Cross. De Tavira called it "a very endearing festival, there are many spaces and it is very important for different disciplines." The festival will also pay tribute to the late Spanish actress Marisa Paredes, screening films from her career, including her final work, 'Emergency Exit' (2025). Special guests include American director Jane Schoenbrun and Mexican director Carlos Cuarón. The GIFF will screen a total of 203 films, with 155 competing from 55 countries.