Mexico City to Host Extensive Free Film Program for Mexican Cinema Day
Mexico City, August 12, 2026 – The Mexican capital is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Mexican Cinema Day, with a comprehensive program of 220 free film screenings scheduled from August 15 to August 29, 2026. This cinematic feast, organized by the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINE), the Ministry of Culture, and other collaborating institutions, will take place across 66 venues throughout the city.
The initiative aims to make national cinema accessible to a broader public, highlighting the rich diversity and exceptional talent within Mexican film production. The celebration will feature a variety of events, including film screenings, retrospectives, special activities, and online access to selected works.
“Bodies in Motion” – A Curatorial Focus
The program will showcase fourteen titles, comprising three feature films and eleven short films, all curated under the theme of “bodies in motion.” These selections delve into narratives exploring resistance, coexistence, and community creativity, ranging from dance to sports-themed productions. The festival emphasizes inclusivity, offering screenings with Mexican Sign Language subtitles and audio descriptions for enhanced accessibility.
Key Venues and Special Screenings
Special screenings are slated for the three Cineteca Nacional locations-Mexico, de las Artes, and Chapultepec-on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16. Detailed schedules and information will be available on the Cineteca’s official website. Notable films in this selection include Moscas (2026) by Fernando Eimbcke, Juana (2025) by Daniel Giménez Cacho, Bem, un lémur en fuga (2024) by Leopoldo Aguilar, Rebeladas (2023) by Andrea Gautier and Tabatta Salinas, and Ulama: el juego de la vida y la muerte (1986) by Roberto Rochín.
Cinema Tepito will host a special tribute to the illustrious career of actress María Rojo, with a retrospective running from August 15 to September 5. This homage will feature iconic films such as El apando (1976), Idilio (1977), María de mi corazón (1979), Me llaman la Chata Aguayo (1986), El callejón de los milagros (1995), and Tespis Teporocho (2025).
Participating Venues Across Mexico City
The 66 participating venues nationwide encompass independent cinemas, film clubs, and public spaces. In Mexico City, primary locations include the Cineteca Nacional, the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC), Filmoteca UNAM, Casa del Lago UNAM, and Cinema Tepito. Public television channels, such as Canal 22, will also broadcast parts of the program, extending reach to those unable to attend in person. Admission to all screenings at UNAM venues is free, subject to capacity.
Featured Films and Shorts
This year’s feature film selection includes:
- Rómpete la madre (2026), directed by Daniela Uriza
- Breaking la vida (2022), directed by Abraham Escobedo-Salas
- Temporada de patos (2004), directed by Fernando Eimbcke (available with Mexican Sign Language version only)
The short film program offers diverse perspectives and styles within national cinema, with titles such as:
- Bailes inverosímiles en cajeros automáticos nocturnos (2025), by Gustavo Hernández de Anda
- Territorio skate (2023), by Belén Guzmán Mendoza
- Hasta que el alma baile (2024), by Karla D. Oceguera
- Luces de la noche (2024), by Octavio Daniel Carreño
Inclusive works with Mexican Sign Language versions include:
- Tío (2021), by Juan Medina
- Los aeronautas (2016), by León Fernández
- Polvo de estrellas (2017), by Aldo Sotelo Lázaro
- Cerulia (2017), by Sofía Carrillo
Online Access and Complementary Activities
The Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC) has launched “CCC en línea,” a permanent online platform offering free access to short films via its YouTube channel each month. Recent selections feature Cola de rata (2022) by José Armando Salomo, Tlaconete (2022) by Oriana Jiménez, and Mi edad, la tuya y la edad del mundo (2021) by Fernanda Tovar.
Filmoteca UNAM contributes to the celebration with a screening of El tren fantasma (1926) by Gabriel García Moreno, a restored gem of Mexican silent cinema, on August 15 at 6:00 PM in the José Revueltas hall of the University Cultural Center. This screening will include live musical accompaniment.
El Cinematógrafo del Chopo will screen the classic ¡Vámonos con Pancho Villa! (1935) by Fernando de Fuentes on August 15 at 4:00 PM, alongside a special selection of shorts and features from August 17 to 21.
National Reach and Digital Access
The celebration extends beyond the capital, with 66 venues across 23 states participating in the national program. These locations, including independent cinemas, film clubs, and public spaces, will bring free Mexican cinema to various regions. For home viewing, a selection of films is available free on the nuestrocine.mx platform. Additionally, fifteen public television stations in states such as Baja California, Chiapas, Mexico City, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Puebla, Sinaloa, Veracruz, and Zacatecas will broadcast parts of the programming.
The complete schedule, including dates, times, and venues, can be found on the official IMCINE website.
