A new state film program is bringing Jalisco-made movies out of traditional theaters and into public spaces. Cine Hecho en Jalisco will offer free screenings from May 18 to 31, with stops in Guadalajara, Tequila, Chapala, and Ajijic. For lakeside residents, the final weekend brings two local events, including an outdoor screening in Chapala and the official closing at the Centro para la Cultura y las Artes de la Ribera.

Free Jalisco Film Screenings Coming to Chapala and Ajijic

A new free film program will bring Jalisco-made short and feature films to Chapala and Ajijic as part of a statewide cultural circuit running from May 18 to 31.

The program, called Cine Hecho en Jalisco, is organized by Jalisco’s cultural and film authorities. It is designed to give local productions more space outside commercial theaters and streaming platforms.

For residents around Lake Chapala, the schedule includes two main stops. A screening is planned for Saturday, May 30, at 7 p.m. in the Plaza Pública de Chapala. The official closing will take place on Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m. at the Centro para la Cultura y las Artes de la Ribera (CCAR) in Ajijic.

Local cinema moves beyond the big cities

The first season of Cine Hecho en Jalisco includes eight short films and four feature films. The works were made by filmmakers from Jalisco or by creators based in the state.

The program begins in the Guadalajara area before moving to regional venues. Stops include Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tequila, Chapala, and Ajijic.

The screenings are free and will take place in public spaces, cultural venues, and community settings. The format gives audiences a chance to see films that may not receive a wide commercial release.

What Chapala and Ajijic audiences can expect

The Chapala screening is scheduled for May 30 at 7 p.m. in the town’s main public plaza. That event is expected to feature Radiestesia and Día de Muertos.

The Ajijic closing event is scheduled for May 31 at 6 p.m. at CCAR, located on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway. The closing program is expected to include Para toda la vida and No gracias, ya no fumo.

The full program is organized into themed blocks that pair short and feature-length works. Some selections are listed for general audiences, while others are aimed at teens and adults.

A wider push for Jalisco film

The program comes as Jalisco continues to promote its film and audiovisual sector. Organizers have framed the screenings as a way to connect local productions with broader audiences.

The circuit also includes digital sessions, interviews, and online capsules with filmmakers. Those activities are expected to be shared through Cultura Jalisco and Filma Jalisco social media channels.

For Chapala and Ajijic, the events add another cultural option to the lakeside calendar. They also give local residents and visitors a chance to see work connected directly to Jalisco’s film community.