16th Fresnillo Film Festival Opens with Tribute to Actor Joaquín Cosío

The 16th Fresnillo Film Festival commenced with a special tribute to notable actor and writer Joaquín Cosío at the Teatro Echeverría in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, on November 12, 2024. Recognized by the Government of Zacatecas for his outstanding contributions to the film industry, Cosío was celebrated in a ceremony attended by cultural and governmental representatives.

Maria de Jesús Muñoz Reyes, the Director of the Instituto Zacatecano de Cultura (IZC) «Ramón López Velarde», emphasized the significance of the film festival for the state of Zacatecas. «The Festival of Cinema in Fresnillo represents a collective effort of institutions,» she stated, expressing gratitude to the Cineteca Zacatecas and the Ayuntamiento de Fresnillo for supporting such important cultural initiatives.

Muñoz Reyes acknowledged the challenges faced post-pandemic in revitalizing cultural events, noting that «many festivals have been lost across the country, and it is commendable that this is not the case here.» She praised Gabriela Marcial Reyes, the initiator of the festival, for her dedication to enhancing the festival’s offerings.

The festival’s honorary figure, Joaquín Cosío, known for his deep connection with the Zacatecan community, received a heartfelt recognition. On behalf of the state administration, Governor David Monreal Ávila, and the Instituto Zacatecano de Cultura, he was honored for his esteemed role in cinema.

The festival’s opening featured a screening of «Matando Cabos,» a significant film in Cosío’s career, celebrating its 20th anniversary. «Matando Cabos was a breakthrough for me in cinema,» Cosío recounted, reflecting on his role as «Mascarita,» which launched his successful film career. «The film was well-received and opened numerous opportunities for the national film industry,» he added.

The inaugural event was attended by state and municipal authorities, underscoring the festival’s importance to the regional cultural landscape.