At the recent Impulso Morelia event, a key industry segment of the Morelia Film Festival, Tatiana Huezo's latest fictional work, 'Galerna', was distinguished with the José María Riba Award. This notable accolade, supported by Cinépolis Distribution and Profest 2026, provides a grant of $14,740 towards enhancing the film's post-production or promotional efforts. 'Galerna' has previously garnered recognition, including the Egeda Platino Industria Award at the San Sebastian Festival, where it was featured in the WIP Latin America competition. This achievement marks another significant milestone for Huezo, whose previous fictional film was 'Prayers for the Stolen' and who is also celebrated for her documentary work like 'Tempestad' and 'The Tiniest Place', both produced by Pimienta Films.
Following closely in recognition, the documentary 'Homeboys' by Alonso Garibay and Alejandro Bernal received a Special Mention from the jury and an in-kind post-production award from Caffeine. The film further earned the Eugenio Polgovsky Award, a prize of $5,340.83 established to honor the memory of the esteemed filmmaker. The narrative of 'Homeboys' centers on Roberto Hernández, known as 'Mr. Lucky', a man deported to a land he barely remembered, who subsequently established a refuge for others facing similar circumstances. Julio Chavezmontes of Piano, a juror on the international panel, lauded 'Galerna' as a pivotal work from a leading contemporary filmmaker, anticipating its significant impact on Mexican cinema upon its public release. He also expressed deep appreciation for 'Homeboys', noting its profound humanism mirrored that of Eugenio Polgovsky.
Mauricio Durán Ortega, president of Canacine, the National Film Industry Chamber, praised the caliber of this year's Impulso selections, emphasizing that all projects merited support and reaching this stage was an accomplishment in itself. He highlighted how the awards are crucial for filmmakers to finalize their projects, with 'Galerna' standing out unanimously among the jury for its exceptional quality. Caffeine CEO Adrian Geyer also commended the diverse representation of Mexican cinema seen in the selected films, which included 'Galerna', 'All the Water in the World', and 'Homeboys', each offering unique perspectives and profound storytelling. Furthermore, Fernanda Garduño of Estudios Splendor Omnia recognized documentaries 'Raká' and 'Katechon' for their sensitive direction, intimate narratives, and compelling portrayals, securing them in-kind services for their post-production needs.
The Impulso Morelia program serves as a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers, providing not only financial support but also essential recognition that propels their projects toward completion and wider audiences. The diverse range of films honored this year—from Huezo's introspective road movie 'Galerna' to the humanistic documentary 'Homeboys' and other compelling works—demonstrates the depth, creativity, and social relevance of contemporary Mexican cinema. These accolades not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a vibrant and supportive environment for cinematic artistry, encouraging storytellers to explore complex themes and challenge conventional narratives, ultimately enriching the global film landscape.
