A Starry Night for Student Filmmakers: Puerto Vallarta Hosts Its First Scholastic Film Festival

On the evening of May 24, the red carpet was rolled out and spotlights lit the entrance of an unforgettable cultural event: the First Scholastic Film Festival of Puerto Vallarta. Hosted on the grounds of the Escuela Secundaria Técnica N°3 (ETI), the event was brimming with excitement, creativity, and local talent.

Organized by Rudy Salazar, who was seen buzzing around the venue making sure every detail was just right, the festival brought together young creators from the ETI, their proud families, and several distinguished guests from the professional film scene. The goal: to foster creativity, teamwork, and a love for cinema among the students.

The atmosphere was electric as more than 120 attendees, mostly family and friends, arrived to support the middle school filmmakers—many of whom were dressed to impress for what was, in every sense, their movie premiere.

Among the crowd were some of Puerto Vallarta’s most respected industry professionals, including Hugo Carrillo, acclaimed director and producer; Dulce Alvarado, actress; Arturo Montero, director, producer, and educator; and Edgar Treviño, a beloved local actor who not only served as a juror but also offered an inspiring talk on cinema to the students, who listened attentively and eagerly asked questions afterward.

Eduardo Mendizabal, another juror, was unable to attend in person due to work commitments, but his presence was still felt as part of the festival’s support team.

Also in attendance were Councilwoman Laurel Carrillo, Regidora de Cultura de Puerto Vallarta, and Armando from Montera Vacations, one of the proud sponsors of the event.

Festivalgoers enjoyed a full cinema experience complete with popcorn, agua de jamaica, and tostadas de tinga. A glamorous red carpet and photo backdrop added even more magic to the night.

The screening lasted 83 minutes and featured twenty-seven original short films created by the students of ETI. Each film was a unique expression of the students’ vision, effort, and storytelling talent. After the screening, the filmmakers received heartfelt congratulations from their teacher and from Edgar Tovar, a judge in the festival’s awards selection.

Award Highlights included:

• Best Script: El Peso de Tu Ausencia

• Best Poster: Las Sombras de la Noche

• Best Sound Design: The Shadows Watch You

• Best Editing: El Inicio

• Best Direction: Buenos Amigos

• Best Short Film: A tie between Las Sombras de la Noche and Buenos Amigos

• Audience Award: TBD, with voting open until Wednesday on Instagram at @festival.interescolar.vallarta

  

As one teacher put it, “They’ve taken their first steps in the world of filmmaking. Now it’s up to them whether they continue the journey.”

Puerto Vallarta’s creative future is clearly in good hands—and if last night was any indication, the next generation of storytellers is already making their mark on the silver screen.