In an unusual opening ceremony, this Thursday was the official start to the 16th edition of the Monterrey International Film Festival, that takes place from August 13 to 20.

In an atypical way, making use of the technological tools, the event was inaugurated online by Ricardo Marcos, president of CONARTE, with the participation of Juan Manuel González, director of the ficmonterrey and Janeth Aguirre, executive director.

«We are going to enjoy film once again, in a new context, but that will undoubtedly remain in the historical channels as an exceptional year», said Marcos González, who recognized the work of the founders of the Festival to adapt to the circumstances and bring forward the edition.

For his part, Juan Manuel González, director of the ficmonterrey stressed that despite the health situation we experience and that forced the modification of the format of the festival. «Today we are here, with a ficmonterrrey of which we are proud and which is integrated in a natural way in the virtual spaces. The films now inhabit Cinépolis Klic and FilminLatino, and the events will be through social media. Free of charges, for all of Mexico or the whole world».

In this 2020 the Festival will present an Official Competition Selection of 72 films, 16 feature films (eight international and eight Mexican), 40 short films (20 international and 20 Mexican) and 16 short films from KinoStart – 13 Student Film Festival, from different schools across the country.

TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL NYMAN

The International Career Achievement Tribute of the ficmonterrey was also paid tonight to the outstanding UK composer, Michael Nyman. 

The artist received from the hands of the filmmaker Paula Astorga the Cabrito de Plata, the highest award of the festival. «Thank you very much, I am very happy to be here,» he replied gratefully, through a clip that was broadcast. 

In addition to his prolific work as a composer, Nyman is also a conductor, pianist, writer, musicologist, photographer, and filmmaker.