From March 10 to March 21, 2025, the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) is set to host the 76th International Film Exhibition of the Cineteca Nacional. This event will spotlight a range of films, from restored classics to contemporary pieces by both acclaimed and up-and-coming filmmakers who are starting their careers with award-winning debuts at international festivals.
This marks the third consecutive year the exhibition is held at the Jorge Fons Auditorium at UDLAP, continuing to provide access to films often unavailable through regular cinema circuits. "This exhibition is a valuable opportunity to connect UDLAP students and the public with productions showcasing ‘other ways to understand the world,’" stated Dr. Juan Carlos Reyes Vázquez, professor at the Department of Communication Sciences at UDLAP. He emphasized the importance of presenting these films "in a university setting conducive to dialogue."
A selection of nine films has been prepared for this year's exhibition, among which is 'Profundo Carmesí' (Mexico-Spain-France, 1996) directed by Arturo Ripstein, presented in its restored version with unreleased scenes. Other notable films include 'Memoria' (Mexico-United States, 2023) by Michel Franco, 'Tierra de nuestros hermanos' (Iran-France-Netherlands, 2024) by Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Ghasemi, and 'Simón de la montaña' (Argentina-Chile-Uruguay, 2024) by Federico Luis Tachella, recognized at the Cannes Critic's Week.
The program also features 'Un viaje en primavera' (Taiwan, 2023) by Peng Tzu-Hui and Wang Ping-Wen, capturing contemplative themes of grief and memory; 'Cerrar los ojos' (Spain-Argentina, 2023) by Víctor Erice, which explores identity and cinema through nostalgia; and 'It’s Not Me' (France, 2024), providing autobiographical visual insights from iconic filmmaker Leos Carax. Finally, 'Misericordia' (France, 2024) by Alain Guiraudie adds dark humor to the mix, alongside the classic documentary 'El pesar de los sueños' (United States-Germany, 1982) by Les Blank, which chronicles the making of 'Fitzcarraldo' by Werner Herzog.
All screenings will occur at 18:00 hours, with seating limited to 68 attendees per showing. Those interested can register through a QR code displayed on the event poster or via Eventbrite to secure their spot. Don't miss this unparalleled selection of international cinema!
Shortly after the UDLAP exhibition, the city of Culiacán will transform from March 24 to March 30, 2025, when it becomes the epicenter of cinematic culture with the arrival of the International Film Exhibition of the Cineteca Nacional, heralded as one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited events across Latin America. The exhibition will kick off with 'Profundo Carmesí,' directed by Arturo Ripstein, reaffirming its status as the opening film.
'Profundo Carmesí,' released initially in 1996, is renowned for its tense and somber atmosphere, based on real-life events narratively centered around the macabre love story between a nurse and a serial killer. Recently, it underwent restoration through the collaborative efforts of the Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía (IMCINE), Cineteca Nacional, and Estudios Churubusco to revive its full, uncut version, reclaiming 17 minutes previously removed from its initial release.
This restoration process was pivotal, involving re-recording the lost original dialogues due to sound loss in the initial version, thereby enhancing the cinematic experience. The restoration event signifies not only a return to one of Ripstein's masterpieces but also highlights his influential role within the evolution of Mexican cinema.
Arturo Ripstein, son of a film producer, began his career at just 21 with the film 'Tiempo de morir' (1965) and has emerged as one of the most significant voices shaping Mexican cinematography. Throughout his career, Ripstein has delved deeplyinto themes like solitude, violence, and human nature, employing his unique style, which combines long takes with realistic and raw storytelling.
The Cineteca Nacional's International Film Exhibition is celebrated for its ability to bring the finest of global cinema to various cities across Mexico, and Culiacán is no exception. With this year's lineup, the city will brim with cinematic life, offering audiences the chance to engage with critically acclaimed productions showcased at international film festivals.
The opening with 'Profundo Carmesí' accentuates the importance of restoring and preserving Mexican cinema, paving the way for spreading Mexico's rich cultural heritage. Attendees at the exhibition will find their experience enriched by the varied themes and genres presented, ranging from auteur cinema to experimental films and documentaries.
