Eugenio Amézquita/Mona Amézquita, special correspondent
-International festival brings together talent from 17 nations
-Programming includes screenings and sound art
-Michoacán and Yucatán present as guest states
-State support dignifies the work of artists
-Mona Amézquita interviews festival leaders
The fifth edition of the Celaya Experimental Film Fest establishes itself as a cultural benchmark of international reach, transforming the city into an epicenter of creative vanguard from December 18 to 20. Under the direction of Octavio Contreras and the administrative support of Roberto Andraca, the festival celebrates five years of existence, formalizing its status through the Guanajuato Fund of the Ministry of Culture, which allows for the professional dignity of the participants' work.
In a series of interviews conducted by Mona Amézquita Velasco, the organizers explained that the event is not just about cinema, but an ecosystem of concerts, workshops, and artistic showcases. Alberto Aguilar and Octavio Contreras highlighted the inclusion of diverse proposals such as DJ performances and a special collaboration with the Morelia International Film Festival, which brings a selection of Michoacán filmmakers. Yucatán also joins as a guest via the UNAY Film School. (https://www.guanajuatodesconocido.com/2025/12/the-30-best-short-films-of-celaya.html and
This year's call for entries was historic, receiving more than 500 short films from latitudes as distant as Japan and Switzerland. After a rigorous selection process, 30 works from 17 countries are being presented, including Spain, Greece, Iran, Poland, Indonesia, and Canada. Notable titles include "Waters that sculpt fire" and "Lluvia" (Rain) in the experimental category, as well as local video-dance pieces like "No me llames bruja" (Don't call me a witch).
The musical programming breaks new ground with the participation of Celaya Conservatory of Music alumna Carla Cachú, who, alongside DJ Valeria Ortiz, fuses baroque sounds with digital elements. Additionally, the Octavio Ocampo City Museum serves as the main venue with concerts by Alfonso Ponce and the group Jogging Class, while German painter Lothar Müller strengthens ties with San Miguel de Allende through a limited-capacity workshop.
This festival, described as one of the most serious and transparent in the region, demonstrates that youth and professional rigor can position Celaya on the global map, creating a living heritage that transcends borders through experimental cinema and the artistic community.
Transcription of the interview with Octavio Contreras and Alberto Aguilar, by Mona Amézquita
Mona Amézquita Velasco, interviewer:
Hello, friends of Guanajuato Desconocido and Metro News. Today we are at a very important event, and we want to hear it directly from the organizers and those in charge. This afternoon I have Alberto Aguilar and Octavio with me; they are at the heart of this entire event. We want everyone to know what it’s about so you can join us from December 18 to 20. Octavio, tell us, what’s going to happen?
Octavio Contreras, Celaya Experimental Film Fest coordinator:
Well, for these three days, we have screenings, concerts, workshops, and artistic showcases. You can follow us on our page to see the events in more detail.
Mona Amézquita Velasco, interviewer:
Of course. I was surprised looking at all the participants; there are things—sometimes we think of culture but it is very inclusive regarding DJs and even performances. We often think "cultural" means "boring," but no. For starters, look at them, they are very young and collaborating for culture and art in the city. And this goes hand in hand with the Morelia Film Festival.
Octavio Contreras, Celaya Experimental Film Fest coordinator:
Yes, this time we have a collaboration with them; they are sending us a program. Michoacán is also a guest state.
Mona Amézquita Velasco, interviewer:
Perfect. And this afternoon here at the Octavio Ocampo City Museum, what are we going to find for those who want to come? It’s about to start.
Octavio Contreras, Celaya Experimental Film Fest coordinator:
Well, today we have a concert by Alfonso Ponce to open this fifth edition. We also have the girls from Jogging Class with another closing concert and the video-dance screening.
Mona Amézquita Velasco, interviewer:
Perfect. That concert is very interesting, exactly because of what you said—Jogging Class—because it mixes the classical world with music. Later, in the coffee auditorium, we have the Michoacán selection. Perfect. Well, you can't miss it, audience of Guanajuato Desconocido and Metro News. Come to the Octavio Ocampo Museum to enjoy all of this festival from December 18 to 20. Let's see everything they are preparing. Thank you very much, guys. Greetings to everyone watching on social media. Come out and participate, please!
Octavio Contreras, Celaya Experimental Film Fest coordinator:
Thank you.
Alberto Aguilar, Celaya Experimental Film Fest Coordination team:
Thank you.
