• The second edition of the Víctor Soto Ferrel Film Criticism Contest and the third edition of the Ensenada Film Market were announced.

Ensenada, Baja California.— The Ensenada International Film Festival (FICens) officially presented the image for its 5th Edition during an event held this Wednesday in the lobby of the State Center for the Arts (CEART) Ensenada, where strategic alliances and training programs to benefit Baja California's audiovisual ecosystem were announced.

The presiding panel was led by Caleb Triana Romero, General Director of FICens; Adriana López, Director of Communications and Promotion for the festival; and Héctor Uraga Peralta, President of the Ensenada Economic Development Council (CODEEN). Representing the Baja California Secretariat of Culture were Carlos Sarabia, Film Affairs Coordinator; Christian Ponce, State Festival Network Coordinator; and Selene Camarena, representative of CEART Ensenada.

Attendees witnessed the unveiling of the official poster designed by graphic artist Alejandra Castro, who has served as Image Director since 2024. Regarding the conceptualization of the artwork, it was highlighted that this edition’s image is a profound homage built from deep roots in Ensenada and a recognition of the forces that sustain the industry. The piece establishes a parallel between the craft of building cities and that of filmmaking: just as Ensenada would not exist without the hands that built it, cinema would not be possible without the work of makeup artists, sound engineers, gaffers, and script supervisors. 

Aesthetically, the design draws on the Art Deco heritage that characterized local early movie theaters and forms part of the port's visual memory. However, this historical foundation is reimagined through vivid colors, geometric shapes, and a striking visual dynamism—creating a graphic bridge where the past and present coexist. Thus, the city, its crafts, and filmmaking intertwine into a single narrative to reaffirm that Ensenada has always been both a stage and a protagonist.

Following the unveiling, an official partnership with the Baja California Secretariat of Culture was announced through the "State Festival Network" grant call. This funding will strengthen the screening program and guarantee the hosting of the second "Víctor Soto Ferrel Film Criticism Contest," which will open its call for entries in mid-August to encourage new analytical voices in contemporary cinema.

Boosting Professionalization Through the Ensenada Film Market

During the press conference, the "Program for Professionalization and Strengthening of the Audiovisual Value Chain" was presented. Driven by the Ensenada Economic Development Council with resources from the Baja California Business Trust (FIDEM II), this project aims to train active professionals, guide them toward skills certification, and formally integrate them into global production chains. These actions will form the core of the third Ensenada Film Market, set to take place in November.

The activities for FICens' 5th Edition will run from November 19th to 22nd, 2026. The main venues will include Cinépolis Macroplaza del Mar (through its Sala de Arte program), the Estela Parrilla Auditorium at the Caracol Science Museum, and the Experimental Stage at CEART. Additionally, the Riviera of Ensenada Social, Civic, and Cultural Center will serve as the epicenter for academic and industry activities, thanks to the support of the 25th Municipal Government of Ensenada.

The partnership with the Ensenada Journalists Association was also highlighted. Their ongoing support has kept the "Best of FICens Tour" screening program active at the Francisco Zarco Auditorium, which will serve as one of the screening venues for the official selection. During his remarks, Caleb Triana Romero highlighted the growing enthusiasm of the community and announced a collaboration with "Séptimo", an independent film showcase—to be held in September—with the clear goal of building synergies and expanding exhibition platforms for creators across the region.

To close the event, Adriana López thanked the attendees and assured that every new alliance and sponsorship represents a firm step toward consolidating the sector: "These collaborations boost the trust of creators, businesses, and audiences in Mexican cinema. At FICens, we will continue working tirelessly to be the film festival that Baja California deserves."