The Xilitla Film Fest aims to promote and showcase national and international cinema in all its expressions, genres, and contemporary formats.
Mexico’s most surreal destination proudly presents the fourth edition of its International Film Festival: Xilitla Film Fest 2026.
Located in the magical town of Xilitla, in the heart of the Sierra Gorda region of San Luis Potosí, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and dreamlike scenery, this place captivated English artist and patron Edward James, who built here his legendary surrealist garden — a monument to boundless imagination.
In 2026, the festival will once again celebrate cinematic diversity through a wide range of genres, narratives, and audiovisual proposals, including documentary, fiction, fantasy, horror, magical realism, science fiction, erotic cinema, dance film, musical cinema, animation, experimental film, and new storytelling formats developed through artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The festival is organized by Centro James, Cervecería James, and the Edward James Museum, with the support of Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosí, the Municipality of Xilitla, and the Tourism Department of the State of San Luis Potosí.
Festival activities will include:
Official competition and showcase screenings
Tributes and retrospectives
Professional training workshops
Conferences and filmmaker talks
Interdisciplinary and holistic activities
Spaces for dialogue between art, nature, and contemporary cinema
The call for entries will remain open from May 12 to July 31, 2026.
The festival will take place from December 2 to 6, 2026, featuring two main sections: Official Showcase and International Competition, alongside academic and industry activities focused on strengthening independent cinema and emerging filmmakers worldwide.
