Del Toro, Cuarón to Headline Morelia as Festival Turns 24th Edition Into Homecoming
Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón are heading to Morelia next week to lead the 24th Morelia International Film Festival.
The festival runs from 16 to 25 October in the western Mexican city, with del Toro and Cuarón joined by Spanish director J.A. Bayona, according to Variety. Artistic director Daniela Michel oversees a competition lineup of 96 films, the festival says on its official site.
Del Toro is there to mark 20 years of Pan's Labyrinth. The dark fantasy premiered 20 years ago and was celebrated again at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. A worldwide theatrical re-release is planned.
Cuarón will attend the opening-night film, Campeón Gabacho. That is the slot that launches the festival on its first evening. The football comedy was directed by his son Jonás Cuarón, produced by Alfonso Cuarón and premiered at SXSW in 2026. Jonás Cuarón also co-wrote it.
The third member of Mexico's famous directing trio will be absent. Alejandro González Iñárritu will miss Morelia this year. His new film Digger has earned close to $1 million in Mexico since its 1 October debut, according to Mexican box office tracker Canacine.
Diego Luna brings his latest work as a director. His film Ashes is in the official selection, meaning it screens as part of the festival's main invited lineup. It is his fifth outing as a director.
Bayona leads the Mexican features jury. He is joined by Spanish director Jaione Camborda, Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz and US actor and director Amy Redford. The documentary jury comprises Alexandre O. Philippe, Jonathan Romney and Juan Carlos Rulfo.
Two international titles add star power. Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine screens after John Malkovich won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at Venice for his role in it. La bola negra, from Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, screens as Spain's Oscar submission, meaning the film chosen to represent the country in the international feature race.
For fans, this means a rare gathering in one place. Two old friends, a birthday for a modern classic, and a first look at what Mexican cinema does next.
