Morelia Film Festival Prizes: ‘Six Months in a Pink and Blue Building,’ an ‘Expression of Pure, Unbound Beauty,’ Wins Top ‘Ojo’ Award

The 24th Morelia Film Festival concluded on October 25, highlighting a dynamic showcase of Mexican cinema alongside international contributions. At the heart of the festival’s accolades was the fiction debut by Bruno Santamaría Razo, "Six Months in a Pink and Blue Building" ("Seis meses en el edificio rosa con azul"), which secured the festival’s prestigious Ojo award. This coming-of-age drama, acclaimed for its poetic storytelling rooted in the director’s personal childhood experiences, notably became Mexico’s first feature selected for Cannes Critics Week competition in two decades.

The film’s narrative centers on a pivotal year in the director’s life, marked by his father’s HIV diagnosis during his eleventh year. The international jury, chaired by J.A. Bayona, acknowledged the film’s courageous confrontation of difficult memories, transforming pain into a cinematic expression of profound beauty. Audience response mirrored critical acclaim, as the film also clinched the Audience Award for fiction, signaling its promising reception beyond the festival circuit.

The Morelia Film Festival’s 24th edition was distinguished by the presence of some of Mexico’s most esteemed filmmakers and actors, underscoring the event’s role as a cultural nexus. Luminaries such as Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón, Carlos Reygadas, Diego Luna, and Gael García Bernal gathered to celebrate the country’s vibrant film industry. Additionally, international figures like James Gray and J.A. Bayona contributed to the festival’s global dimension, with Bayona also serving as the jury president and presenting a documentary about the making of his own recent film.

Festival Director Daniel Michel emphasized the diversity of Mexican cinema represented this year, highlighting the wide-ranging stories that reflect the country’s multifaceted realities. The official selection sought to encapsulate the vast regional and cultural differences within Mexico, aiming to offer audiences a comprehensive cinematic panorama.

Other notable winners included Joaquin del Paso’s "The Garden We Dreamed," which received a Special Mention and an award for Best Cinematography. The film explores the journey of a Haitian family moving northward in search of a better existence. Meanwhile, the buzz-worthy feature "Sad Girlz" earned recognition as the Best Fiction Debut, praised for its authentic portrayal of a modern teenager’s complex life.

In the short film category, Santiago Maza was awarded the ECAM scholarship, granting him access to advanced studies in film distribution in Madrid. Nicolás Pereda was honored with Best Director for his absurdist comedy "Everything Else Is Noise," with lead actress Teresa Sánchez also receiving a Best Actress award for her compelling performance in the same film.

The Best Actor accolade went to Sam Louwyck for his role in Nathalia Acevedo’s "Beauty Salon," where his character’s salon serves as a sanctuary for marginalized individuals. Festival leadership highlighted the inclusivity reflected in this year’s lineup, with filmmakers from varied backgrounds sharing unique perspectives.

The festival also featured a poignant documentary screening of "Naza," a film confronting the complex realities of conflict and its global ramifications. The screening was accompanied by discussions emphasizing peace and calls to end ongoing violence.

A significant moment during the festival was the recognition of Alfonso Cuarón by the French government, which awarded him the insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. This honor celebrated Cuarón’s exceptional contributions to cinema and his role in strengthening cultural ties between Mexico and France.

Looking ahead, the Morelia Film Festival announced plans to move its schedule to the week before the Day of the Dead next year, a shift aimed at enriching the festival’s cultural resonance. The 25th anniversary edition promises to be a milestone event featuring prominent guests and retrospectives, reinforcing the festival’s position as a vital platform for Mexican and international cinema.