The Guadalajara Film Festival’s Premio Maguey sidebar is back for its 14th edition, celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema with a new twist. This year, the festival is expanding its offerings to include series and an animated feature for the first time.
Programming director Pavel Cortés emphasized the importance of inclusion in the festival’s lineup. “If we’re talking about inclusion, then we have to practice it ourselves, right? So naturally, it’s also about creating space for diverse content — stories and perspectives that enrich our program in meaningful ways,” Cortés said.
The competition features 10 core films, along with six additional entries from other competitive sections. One standout is the animated film “Lesbian Space Princess,” which is also competing in the animation sidebar.
Adding to the diversity of the lineup are three series making their debut at Premio Maguey. “Amor de papel,” “La Engañada,” shot in Jalisco, and Gabriel Ripstein’s crime dramedy “Mentiras” will be showcased at the festival.
“Amor de papel,” directed by Edu Cortés, follows the story of Christian, a man whose life takes a new turn when he meets a new client. “La Engañada,” directed by Francisco Gonzalez, centers on Estela, who receives a mysterious package that changes her life dramatically. “Mentiras” follows four women who discover they were all romantically involved with a murdered man, making them all suspects.
The competition lineup features 16 films from 17 different countries, including projects from Indonesia, France, Australia, and the U.K. Mexico is well-represented in the competition, with standout projects like “Sobre las olas” and “Newborn” vying for top honors.
“Sobre las olas,” directed by Horacio Alcalá, explores the transformation of a working mother on an imaginary island. “Newborn,” written and directed by Alejandro Zuno, delves into the challenges faced by first-time parents when their child is born intersex.
Chilean actress Daniela Vega, known for her role in the Oscar-winning film “A Fantastic Woman,” will receive the Premio Maguey Queer Award and lead a Masterclass at the festival.
The festival kicks off with the documentary “Murió la FantasÃa” (“The Fantasy Died”), which delves into the struggles of a pop star’s life within the industry. Mexican electropop artist Denisse Guerrero will receive the Premio Maguey Trayectoria, a lifetime achievement award.
Reflecting on the significance of a dedicated LGBTQ+ film section in Guadalajara, Cortés highlighted the city’s cultural vibrancy and growing diversity. The festival coincides with Pride Month, culminating in the Gay Pride Parade on June 14, the festival’s closing day.
With an exciting lineup of films and events, the Guadalajara Film Festival’s Premio Maguey sidebar continues to champion LGBTQ+ cinema and promote diverse storytelling in the industry.
