Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — The renowned Ariel Awards, the most important awards in the Mexican film industry, may soon light up the famed shores of Puerto Vallarta for their third consecutive year in Jalisco, signaling the state’s growing importance in the national and international film industry. According to Jalisco’s Secretary of Tourism Michelle Fridman, officials are finalizing talks to transition the prestigious ceremony from its previous location in Guadalajara to the coastal resort town.
“It’s very likely they’ll return, but not to Guadalajara. They’ll likely return to other locations in the state, such as Puerto Vallarta,” Fridman explained. “We’re in fairly advanced talks, and for this or any other film event, we’ll be looking to open the doors for them to come here.”
A Beachfront Stage for Film Excellence
Boasting idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural tapestry, Puerto Vallarta is uniquely positioned to host high-profile entertainment events like the Ariel Awards. Local leaders see the city’s strong hospitality infrastructure as a natural match for film galas, festivals, and international conventions.
The move also highlights Jalisco’s broader commitment to becoming Mexico’s premiere film destination. Discussions are underway to bring the Platino Awards—which typically alternate between Spain and the Riviera Maya—to Jalisco, a development that would further secure the state’s place on the global film map.
Building Momentum: Film, Tourism, and Hollywood Ties
To bolster this emerging reputation, Jalisco is working closely with national and international partners. One key initiative is a familiarization trip organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Los Angeles-based production companies tour the state’s diverse filming locations and evaluate its infrastructure. This hands-on approach to courting the film industry aims to spark new projects and collaborations that extend beyond major cities like Guadalajara.
Netflix Partnership and Jalisco Lab
In tandem with hosting prestigious awards shows, Jalisco is also nurturing homegrown talent. A partnership with Netflix has birthed the Jalisco Lab program, focused on training emerging filmmakers—particularly women—and supporting entrepreneurs in the audiovisual sector.
“Netflix had several initiatives, we recognized them, we generated the call for these projects a couple of weeks ago through the film industry, and we waited to see how it went,” Fridman noted.
By strengthening skills and resources at the local level, officials hope to create a pipeline of talent prepared to helm productions both in Puerto Vallarta and across the state.
The Filma Award and the Future of Jalisco Film
At the 40th anniversary of the Guadalajara International Film Festival, Alejandro Tavares, director of Filma Jalisco, will introduce the Filma Award, a new accolade celebrating productions made in Jalisco. This initiative exemplifies the state’s four-pronged support system:
- Film Fund – Direct financial support for local and visiting productions.
- Film Events – Attracting festivals, awards, and other industry showcases to cities like Puerto Vallarta.
- Punto Filma – Encouraging foreign investment in Jalisco’s film ecosystem.
- Film Academy – Providing training and skill development for aspiring filmmakers.
Major Financial Backing
Underpinning these developments is an investment of over 100 million pesos, part of which includes 16 million pesos for direct support of local productions. The remaining 86 million pesos are earmarked as tax incentives via a cash rebate program, designed to entice both Mexican and international filmmakers to choose Jalisco as a premier production hub.
Spotlight on Puerto Vallarta
With negotiations for the Ariel Awards in advanced stages, tourism and film authorities alike are lauding Puerto Vallarta as the next glittering stage for Mexico’s cinematic celebration. Should the ceremony move to this coastal paradise, it will not only underscore the city’s suitability for large-scale entertainment events but also reaffirm Jalisco’s growing status as a powerhouse in film and cultural tourism.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — The renowned Ariel Awards, the most important awards in the Mexican film industry, may soon light up the famed shores of Puerto Vallarta for their third consecutive year in Jalisco, signaling the state’s growing importance in the national and international film industry. According to Jalisco’s Secretary of Tourism Michelle Fridman, officials are finalizing talks to transition the prestigious ceremony from its previous location in Guadalajara to the coastal resort town.
