Baja Film Festival

Los Cabos will Host the First Annual International Film Festival

By Jack E. George

Baja California has always been known for the energy, electricity, and extravaganzas it offers to residents and visitors. However, one of the brightest moments, this year, will happen November 14-17 when Los Cabos hosts the First Annual Baja International Film Festival. The films being premiered, along with the list of actors, directors, writers, and so forth are being kept under 'tight wraps,' according to Stephanie Samson, the U.S. Media Director. She stated, "Unfortunately we do not have information on what films, directors, or actors will be in attendance that we can release at this time." She went on to say that the information will be available during the latter part of October. Tickets to all of the screenings, and other events, will go on sale, November 7.

November 14, Opening Night, will offer the screening of a compelling and high-quality film. The selection was made by the Baja International Film Festival programming team. The screening will be followed by an opening night party allowing guests to mingle with the VIP's in the film industry. This will open the door to the following few days of cutting-edge independent films. They will be seen at many venues throughout Los Cabos. Friday will offer the first full day of the festival. Aside from dozens of film screenings, there will also be panel discussions with acclaimed actors, directors, and producers. Friday will offer the same menu along with performances with the singers and songwriters performing from the acclaimed Hotel Café, in Los Angeles.

Saturday will offer the closing of the festival. The film screenings and panel discussions will continue. There will also be a VIP Cocktail Reception along with the Award Ceremony. Awards will be given for Feature Films, Documentaries, Short Films, Student Films, and Adventure Films. The festival will then close the doors, to the First Baja International Film Festival, following the closing night gala.

The Co-Founders of the festival are twin brothers, Scott and Sean Cross. They also established the Colorado Film Institute and the Vail Film Festival. This festival is considered as one of the 10 best destinations for the world film festivals. They have brought together a strong team of experienced film and business managers who have the goal and passion to bring Mexican and U.S. cultures together through film. Scott is the President and owner of IndieProducer. It is one of the world's leading filmmaker social networks. He has strived to create a platform to educate new filmmakers to highlight their creative visions as well as to ensure that independent films reach, and are viewed, by the general public. Sean Cross, aside from working in various projects with his brother, has served as the artistic director and communications director of the Vail Film Festival. He was instrumental in building partnerships to strengthen the branding of the Vail festival.

There is no doubt that a lot of pride, dedication, and hard work is going into this project, and, as a result, it is being supported by the Mexico Tourism Board. It is also endorsed by the state of Baja California Sur and the Los Cabos Tourism Bureau as the Official Festival of Cabos, Mexico. One of the main goals of the festival is for it to become one of the major international festivals in the world - equivalent to other film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance.

People interested in attending this event will receive many rewards. Aside from the festival you will be able to enjoy the magnificence of the location; situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Here you will find world-class resorts, championship golf courses, an incomparable nightlife, and excellent diving and water activities. Another great thing about Los Cabos is that you can stay at an all-inclusive resort or, in a small, quaint hideaway. You can find peaceful solitude or join in for some high adventure activities. You will definitely want to schedule time for the many activates the film festival will offer. You might choose to purchase a VIP Pass. Although it is a bit pricey, at $1500, it guarantees you access to anything and everything. You can also purchase a Festival Pass for $350. It offers you access to all festival and highlight screenings. You will also be able to select from a variety of other activities. However, there are many events which can be purchased with a single ticket at a very reasonable price. For example, you can purchase a ticket for indoor screenings for 40 pesos (a little more than $3 U.S.). Imagine, if you attend one of these events, you might rub elbows with many famous people. After all, Los Cabos is a favorite vacation destination for such celebrities as George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Leonoardo DiCaprio, and Cameron Diaz - just to name a few.

There is a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm building as the date of the Baja International Film Festival quickly approaches. There is no doubt that it will become one of the most outstanding film festivals in the world; it will also become one of the most outstanding events in Mexico.