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Los Cabo International Film Festival 2023 Called-Off due to Underwhelming Support

In view of low and insufficient funding, the annual international film festival will not be proceeding this year. By: Theng Min Yee

The Los Cabos International Film Festival released an official statement, informing the public that it had cancelled this year’s festivals due to “lack of financial support.” The public statement also underscored the importance of such support, which has bolstered the film festival in its hosting of various events, in its past editions. However, without the necessary funds, it will be the first time that the film industry will sit out from the Baja Californian festival, which was able to proceed in hybrid format even in time of the pandemic.

Though the festival’s statement does not clarify specific details about their lack of financial support, it does highlight that the festival’s success could be achieved in previous years because of “the contribution of public and private institutions, as well as a large number of sponsors.”

A possible reason behind the festival’s cancellation could be the current actors’ strike in Hollywood, which might have deprived the festival from receiving representation by SAG-AFTRA, in the form of celebrities parading the Los Cabos red carpet. Previous years saw famed actors and actresses like Nicole Kidman, Robert De Niro, Reese Witherspoon, Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson and Adam Driver, participating in the festivities.

Since its inception in 2012, the Los Cabos International Film Festival had been held without interruptions, which makes its suspension this year seem all the more surprising. The festival aimed to “strengthen Mexico’s presence abroad, promote culture by boosting the national and international film industry, and promote tourism in Los Cabos,” from its first edition.

“For more than a decade, the festival has been the epicentre of North American cinematography, bringing together Mexico, the United States and Canada in a space for cinematographic exchange and exploration,” the official statement reads. “In each edition, the festival has presented more than 40 films that address relevant social issues, through the most proactive narratives of national and international cinema. The galas, tributes and homages have brought together celebrities, the press, film professionals and the public, creating a multiple experience of high cinematography.”

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