Puerto Vallarta will shine in the national spotlight this year as it hosts the 67th Ariel Awards, Mexico’s most important celebration of film. The announcement was made by Jalisco’s Tourism Secretary, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, during the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
The Ariel Awards, presented by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (AMACC), honor the best in Mexican cinema across 25 categories. They recognize the outstanding work of directors, actors, technicians, and producers who shape the country’s film industry.
After years in Mexico City and a recent move to Guadalajara, the prestigious event will now be held in Puerto Vallarta on September 20, 2025. The change marks the third year in a row the awards take place in Jalisco, highlighting the state’s growing role in the national film scene.
Puerto Vallarta’s connection to cinema runs deep. Fridman Hirsch reminded the public of the city’s cinematic legacy, notably its role in the 1963 film The Night of the Iguana, which brought global attention to the coastal town and helped spark its tourism boom. “Puerto Vallarta cannot be understood without its iconic films,” she said.
The event is expected to welcome around 800 guests, including filmmakers, nominees, and media representatives. It will also attract nearly 80 producers looking to develop projects in the region, reinforcing Puerto Vallarta’s position as a filming destination.
To support the event, Jalisco’s Tourism Secretariat (Secturjal) will invest over 10 million pesos. In addition, the new FILMA Award was announced, offering 70,000 pesos to productions made in Jalisco. This initiative builds on the Hecho en Jalisco Award introduced in 2021, continuing efforts to promote local talent and support the national audiovisual industry.
Fridman Hirsch emphasized that hosting the Ariel Awards demonstrates Jalisco’s commitment to both the film and tourism sectors. With its cinematic history and breathtaking landscapes, Puerto Vallarta is ready to welcome the stars of Mexican cinema.
Related: Puerto Vallarta Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years of Cinema
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