Breaking News: FICG 40 Awards Ceremony Highlights Powerful Women in Cinema and Celebrates Diversity
In a groundbreaking event that underscored the significance of female presence in cinema, the FICG 40 Awards ceremony concluded a week-long celebration of film with a powerful statement. The ceremony, held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, saw a record-breaking attendance of 29,400 people who gathered to witness 297 screenings of 128 films. This year, Portugal was the guest country of honor, adding an international flair to the festivities.
Women in Cinema Take Center Stage
The Indira Cato Director at the FICG 40 Awards ceremony, waving a lilac handkerchief, emphasized the importance of women in cinema. She noted that the films showcased powerful women and were created by equally powerful women, dubbed “chingonas.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the week, which saw numerous achievements by women in various categories.
Key Winners and Their Achievements
Victoria Franco received the mezcal award for Best Direction for her film “Twelve Moons,” which also won the top prize for Best Photography by Chilean Sergio Armstrong. The Best Actor award went to Emiliano Zurita for his role in “Cars, Mota and Rocanrol,” directed by José Manuel Cravioto.
Public Recognition
The public prize, one of the most coveted, was awarded to “Old Mouth” from Oaxaca, directed by Yovegami Ascona Mora. This film also received an honorary mention.
Ibero-American Fiction Feature Film
The Best Ibero-American Fiction Feature Film award went to “The Last Blue,” a co-production between Brazil and Mexico directed by Gabriel Mascaro. The Best Ibero-American First Feature Film was “Far Away” by Gerard Oms, while the Best Direction award went to Spanish filmmaker Eva Libertad for her film “Sorda.”
Documentary and Short Films
The Best Ibero-American Documentary Feature Film award was given to the Spanish film “Soledad Afternoons” by Albert Serra. Ecuadorian Misha Vallejo Prut won Best Direction for “Echo of Light.”
Celebrating Diversity
The Maguey Award, which highlights diversity in cinema, was awarded to “Patience Bonda” by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade in the Best Film category. An honorary mention was given to “Very Far” by Gerard Oms.
Future of FICG
The 41st edition of the FICG will be held from April 17 to 25, 2026, with adjustments in dates compared to this year. This announcement signals the festival’s commitment to continuing its legacy of celebrating cinema and the powerful voices within it.
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