Wine, Movies, and Magic in the Valle

A festival worth swirling over

I’ve never been to a film festival like this—and honestly? It looks amazing.

From September 26 to 28, the Valle de Guadalupe will host the second edition of the Festival Internacional de Cine del Valle de Guadalupe (FICVG). If you’re thinking red carpet and awkward speeches, think again. This is Baja, after all.

Instead of glitter and egos, you’ll find wine, cinema, art, and native culture—all beautifully blended, much like the Syrah-Cabernet mixes this valley is known for.

What makes this event different?

To begin with, the entire festival is themed around wine. Not just as a drink, but as a lifestyle, a landscape, and a source of local pride. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a Merlot fan, there’s something here for you.

The event includes free film screenings, workshops on writing and editing, an art exhibit by Julio Orozco, and yes—brunches and themed dinners that sound too good to miss.

Moreover, the festival includes a spiritual ceremony led by native communities, reminding us that this land has stories older than cinema itself.

Who’s showing up?

For one, Sergio Arau and Yareli Arizmendi, the creative duo behind A Day Without a Mexican, are debuting scenes from their new documentary, The Mexican Files. That alone should get your film-loving heart racing.

In addition, expect appearances by director Carlos Bolado, producer Salvador Aguirre, and actor Jesús Ochoa. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s been in everything. (And probably in your aunt’s novelas too.)

Also featured is the 2024 film Amor a Fuego Lento, with director René Bueno, producer Barbarella Pardo, and actress Isaura Espinoza joining the conversation.

It’s more than a red carpet

According to Nora Bringas, the festival’s coordinator, FICVG is as much about inclusion as it is about cinema. Pueblos originarios will not just be honored—they’ll participate directly through ceremonies, handmade crafts, and community spaces.

This mix of film, culture, and local tradition is exactly what makes FICVG unique. It’s not just another stop on the festival circuit. It’s a window into Baja’s heart.

The festival is co-produced by Carlos Sarabia and Bringas, with support from Virgilio Muñoz and the Fundación Alberich. Institutions like COLEF, the Secretaría de Cultura, Secretaría de Economía, and local wineries are also on board.

Why should Baja care?

For starters, this event puts Valle de Guadalupe on the global cultural map—not just the wine map. And that’s a big deal. It adds depth to what tourists (and even locals) expect from the region.

In fact, over 1,500 people attended last year’s first edition. Organizers aim to beat that number in 2025. While most activities are free, the fancy brunches and dinners require a ticket. Worth it, if you ask me.

Beyond tourism, the festival fuels something deeper: pride in Baja’s diversity, creativity, and voice. And yes, it’s okay to enjoy that with a glass of Tempranillo in hand.

🗓️ Event Snapshot

• When: September 26–28, 2025
• Where: Casa Kurrak, Valle de Guadalupe
• Tickets: Free (except brunch and dinner)
• More info: valledeguadalupefilmfestival.com

Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.

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