The festival, which takes place from August 19 to 23, 2026 in Mayag\u00fcez<\/strong>, has the historic Yag\u00fcez Theater as one of its main venues. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Puerto Rico<\/strong>.- The Puerto Rico Film Festival<\/strong> celebrates its seventeenth edition with a clear commitment: to promote the internationalization of Puerto Rican cinema and create new opportunities for productions made on the island to find exhibition spaces outside the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its director, Lester Riv\u00e9<\/strong>, explained that for several years they have been working to establish connections between Puerto Rican filmmakers and international film festivals, producers, and industry professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “In this edition, we have many important people and visitors from different parts of the world whom we are bringing in to expand our reach, and to be able to create relationships and collaborations with other festivals. In this way, we secure opportunities for filmmakers,” noted Riv\u00e9.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Beyond the film screenings, the Puerto Rico Film Festival seeks to become a meeting point for filmmakers, students, and audiovisual industry professionals, with a program that includes films, discussions, workshops, classes, tributes, and exchange spaces that allow participants to network and explore potential collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Riv\u00e9 highlighted that this strategy is fundamental to continue positioning Puerto Rican productions abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the projects that is part of the programming is Cine Next<\/strong>, an initiative aimed at university and high school students that began two years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The program allows young people to submit their work and participate in a day that includes short film screenings, talks, and workshops related to the film industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of this edition, the festival will feature the participation of Puerto Rican director \u00c1ngel Manuel Soto<\/strong>, known for directing Blue Beetle<\/em>, who will offer a talk aimed at students, as an initiative that seeks to bring new generations closer to experienced professionals and provide them with tools to begin developing a career in film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Riv\u00e9, Puerto Rico is going through a favorable moment for its film industry. The director highlighted the international recognition that several local productions and co-productions linked to the island have obtained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the examples, he mentioned Esta Isla<\/em>, which was present at the Tribeca Festival, as well as Summer of Three<\/em>, a production that has also contributed to showcasing Puerto Rican talent outside the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also highlighted the impact of films such as La Pecera<\/em>, as well as upcoming projects such as Sana y Salva<\/em> and Extranjeras<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are currently rising like foam<\/strong>\u201d, stated Riv\u00e9 when describing the moment Puerto Rican cinema is experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year’s edition features a wide range of premieres and local and international productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The festival opened with Summer of Three<\/em>, while the closing film will be Milly: The Queen of Merengue<\/strong>, a co-production between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
A space to connect Puerto Rican talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cine Next bets on the new generations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puerto Rican cinema gains international visibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A schedule with premieres and co-productions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n