Guadalajara International Film Festival is a yearly event that aims to celebrate, promote and support the technicians, filmmakers and actors/actresses of Ibero-American cinema (Latin America, Spain and Portugal). Also, this festival becomes a platform for the film markets, and a place for industry talks & academic discussions between the experts and the emerging individuals.
The 40th edition of this Guadalajara International Film Festival held in June 2025 and the global spotlight has fallen on the Brazilian filmmakers Anna Muylaert and Gabriel Mascaro who known for ‘Durval Discos’, ‘The Second Mother’ and ‘August Winds’, ‘Divine Love’ respectively.
Honoring the Brazilian Directors!
Anna Muylaert’s ‘The Best Mother in the World’ has been honored under the category of BEST SCREENPLAY. This story has an intense and deep emotions that hit us so hard through the well-written characters with perfect casting. Also, the lead actress Shirley Cruz was also honored for her spellbinding acting under the category of ‘Best Performance’, with this the movie receives a back to back victory at the prestigious stage.
On the other hand, Gabriel is another Brazilian filmmaker who has made trademark movies that resonate the untold human emotions with visually striking frames and metaphorical narration. His movie ‘The Blue Trail’ is also celebrated in the festival and received ‘Best Ibero-American Film’ award for the movie showcased the artistry ideally blended with cross-cultural storytelling.
Other Winners – 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival
| Category | Awardee | Movie |
| Best Film [Mezcal Awards] | Indira Cato | Llamarse Olimpia |
| Best Direction [Mezcal Awards] | Victoria Franco | Doce Lunas |
| Best Cinematography [Mezkal Awards] | Sergio Armstrong | Doce Lunas |
| Best Performance [Mezkal Awards] | Emiliano Zurita | Autos, mota y rocanrol |
| Audience Award | Yovegami Ascona Mora | Boca Vieja |
| Young Jury Award | Yovegami Ascona Mora | Boca Vieja |
| Best Ibero-American Documentary | Albert Serra | Afternoons of Solitude |
| Best Direction (Documentary) | Misha Vallejo Prut | Eco de luz |
| Best Cinematography (Documentary) | Orio Barcelona, Nauzet Gaspar, Alvar Riu, Diego Trenas, Arnau Valls Colomer | The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortes |
| Best Ibero American First Film | Gerard Oms | Away |
| Best Direction (Fiction) | Eva Liberad | Deaf (Sorda) |
| Best Short Film | Irving Serrano & Victor Rejon | Las Voces del Despeñadero |
| Special Mention [Maguey Award] | Denise Weinberg | The Blue Trail |
| Best Animated Feature Film | Tomas Pichardo Espaillat | Olivia & The Clouds |
| Socio-Environmental Award | Petra Seliskar | The Mountain Won’t Move |
| FIPRESCI Award [Critics] | Abraham Escobedo-Salas | At the End of the World |
