Puerto Vallarta celebrated the conclusion of the 67th Ariel Awards’ academic activities with two cultural highlights that honored the city’s cinematic history. The events featured the unveiling of murals paying tribute to iconic films and a masterclass commemorating the 25th anniversary of Amores Perros.
Supported by the Government of Jalisco, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (AMACC), these initiatives showcased Puerto Vallarta as a cultural and tourist destination. Tourism Secretary Michelle Fridman Hirsch noted that such activities elevate the city’s international profile while promoting its artistic and cultural identity.
The first event unveiled a mural in Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Center inspired by John Huston’s The Night of the Iguana (1964), filmed in Mismaloya and credited with bringing global attention to the city. Created by the local ROMPE collective, the artwork pays homage to cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa and visually captures the scenes and characters that shaped the city’s cinematic and cultural legacy. The mural, located on the wall of the Galeríe des Artistes in downtown Puerto Vallarta, was inaugurated by Fridman Hirsch alongside Sharo García, Aarón Díaz, Michelle Rodríguez, and Ximena Sariñana.
The ROMPE collective, comprised of emerging local artists, is dedicated to revaluing public spaces through mural art that reflects Puerto Vallarta’s heritage. Their work emphasizes key moments in the city’s collective memory, connecting the past with the present while highlighting local talent.
In addition to The Night of the Iguana mural, the Beverly Hills Chihuahua mural was also presented, furthering the goal of transforming downtown into a “living archive” of murals and outdoor cinema, in collaboration with gallery owners, entrepreneurs, and academics from the Technological Institute of Jalisco.
The second event, held at the University Center of the Coast, featured the masterclass Amores Perros: 25 Years of a Story That Marked the World. Participants included Mónica Lozano, Francisco González Compeán, Carlos Hidalgo, and Gustavo Sánchez Parra, moderated by Alejandro Tavares, director of Filma Jalisco.
Speakers shared behind-the-scenes stories, from Guillermo Arriaga’s original script to the production challenges of the debut film, originally titled Perro Blanco, Perro Negro, highlighting the discipline and dedication that brought the project to life.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Amores Perros will be re-released in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile through MUBI, including special 35mm screenings at the Cineteca Nacional and Cineteca FICG, ensuring that this landmark film continues to reach audiences worldwide.
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