Mexico City, April 24, 2026 – Mexico City is set to launch its inaugural international audiovisual market, ‘Nahui’, scheduled to take place from October 12 to 15, 2026. This landmark event, announced jointly by federal and Mexico City government authorities, aims to attract investment and foster large-scale productions, positioning the capital as a strategic global hub for the film industry.
‘Nahui’: A Strategic Initiative for Audiovisual Growth
The creation of ‘Nahui’ stems from an agreement signed in the courtyard of the Old City Hall Palace, bringing together public and private capabilities to stimulate economic development within the audiovisual sector. Ana Francis Mor, Secretary of Culture for Mexico City, emphasized the market’s objective: “Our goal is to facilitate co-production, financing, and international circulation of content, by articulating public and private capacities to detonate economic development in the audiovisual industry.”
This new initiative will convene a diverse group of industry stakeholders, including producers, filmmakers, platforms, distributors, international festivals, production services, studios, technology providers, business groups, and film authorities. The market is structured around four key pillars:
Four Pillars to Boost the Film Industry
- Development with Private Initiative and Marketing: This pillar will focus on promoting the sale of intellectual property, copyrights, and exemption rights to transform projects into franchises, series, and films.
- Production Financing: ‘Nahui’ will leverage financing agreements between Ibero-America and Europe for large-scale productions, capitalizing on Mexico’s advantageous geographical and political position.
- Distribution with Influential Decision-Makers: The market will connect creators with key industry players such as platforms, production companies, and festivals, many of which maintain offices in Mexico City.
- Exhibition for Cultural Sovereignty: This pillar aims to promote the exhibition of diverse audiovisual content, supporting cultural sovereignty.
Increased Support and New Programs for Local Cinema
In conjunction with the ‘Nahui’ announcement, authorities also revealed significant increases in film funding. Support for cinema will be doubled to 20 million pesos, with plans to invest 40 million pesos next year. Additionally, a new community cinema program will be established, alongside initiatives to enhance the professionalization of the film industry within the city.
Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, proposed the establishment of a “mixed seed fund”, combining public and private investment, specifically for the production of films, series, and audiovisual projects that feature the capital as a central theme or setting.
Key Venues for ‘Nahui’
The various venues for ‘Nahui’ will be located at prominent cultural sites across Mexico City, including the National Center for the Arts (Cenart), the National Cinematheque (Cineteca Nacional), Churubusco Azteca Studios, and the ‘Utopías’ cultural centers.
The launch of ‘Nahui’ marks a pivotal moment for Mexico City’s ambition to solidify its position as a leading force in the global audiovisual landscape, fostering both creative talent and economic growth within the sector.
