In a significant collaboration, Sanfic Industria, a component of the Santiago Film Festival, has partnered with the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) to establish a joint Queer Incubator. This initiative seeks to nurture and elevate Latin American queer cinema, providing a crucial platform for LGBTQ+ filmmakers and screenwriters to develop their projects, expand their professional networks, and access new opportunities within the global film industry. The program, spanning two in-person stages in Santiago and Guadalajara, underscores a shared commitment to fostering diverse narratives and supporting vulnerable communities in the face of evolving political landscapes.
The burgeoning success of Latin American queer cinema, exemplified by films like David Pablos' "On the Road" and Berlinale Teddy Award winners such as Peru's "Retablo" and Paraguay's "The Heiresses," highlights a growing need for dedicated support systems. Recognizing this potential, Sanfic Industria inaugurated its Queer Incubator in 2025. A pivotal moment in this journey was the initial collaboration with FICG, where festival director Estrella Araiza extended accreditation and lodging to selected projects at FICG in April. This gesture marked the genesis of a deeper partnership aimed at establishing a comprehensive mentorship and support structure.
Gabriela Sandoval, director of Sanfic Industria, articulated the vision behind this expanded collaboration. She noted that discussions between the two organizations following FICG and Premios Maguey led to the development of a two-stage laboratory. The initial phase will unfold at Sanfic Industria in November, with the concluding stage featuring an award presentation at FICG and Premios Maguey in 2027. Sandoval emphasized that this second edition represents a vital progression for the Queer Incubator, integrating the projects into two key industry hubs within Latin America. She stressed the importance of creating dedicated spaces for the growth, exposure, and circulation of queer narratives, ensuring that creators can strengthen their work, broaden their connections, and seize new industry prospects. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a Latin American cinema that embraces and reflects a rich tapestry of identities, experiences, and global perspectives.
Estrella Araiza echoed Sandoval's sentiments, underscoring the political significance of such initiatives. She stated that in these uncertain times, FICG and Premios Maguey are committed to defending the most marginalized communities. Participating in this endeavor is a direct affirmation of that commitment, guaranteeing the continued creation and visibility of more queer films. Sandoval further reiterated the aspiration for the Incubator to serve as both a secure environment for fostering innovative viewpoints and a tangible platform where these stories and their creators can connect with partners, markets, festivals, and audiences across Latin America and internationally.
The Queer Incubator Santiago–Guadalajara will select six Latin American fiction projects that are in the script development phase and possess accompanying pitch decks. Eligibility requires projects to be spearheaded by LGBTQ+ directors and screenwriters, or by professionals whose non-conforming gender identities and expressions enrich their creative input. The program welcomes projects and individuals originating from or based in Latin America. The first in-person stage is scheduled to take place in Santiago, Chile, from November 2–6, 2026, as an integral part of Sanfic Industria. The second in-person stage will follow in Guadalajara, Mexico, from March 6–13, 2027, coinciding with Premios Maguey and the Guadalajara International Film Festival. Both stages will feature group and one-on-one mentorship sessions with esteemed international professionals. The deadline for applications is September 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Santiago de Chile time).
This collaborative Queer Incubator initiative between Sanfic Industria and the Guadalajara International Film Festival marks a pivotal step in empowering LGBTQ+ voices within Latin American cinema. By providing robust mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure, the program is set to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for diverse storytelling, reinforcing the commitment of both festivals to inclusivity and artistic development.
