Puerto Vallarta Film Festival
By Josef Kandoll W

Having celebrated over twelve successful years, the International Film Festival of Puerto Vallarta is sponsored primarily by the University of Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de la Costa (UdG CUC). University President Dr. Javier Orozco Alvarado says, "Our role in society as a university isn't only to give our students technical skills to fit into the working world. It's perhaps a greater responsibility to encourage them to think. Undoubtedly the most intriguing impulse comes from the culture and the arts, particularly cinema."

"Film in Mexico is once again on the rise with Mexican producers, directors, cinematographers, scriptwriters and actors becoming known internationally. While not entering into competition with Hollywood, it does nevertheless open up the world market both for showing our work in addition to opening the door to future film projects in our region. With a cinematography school at the University of Guadalajara and a multi-media school here at CUC, the film festival opens doors to our future directors. In fact, two years ago three of our own media students came in first place in an international competition for short films."

The film festival takes place each spring, either before or after Semana Santa (Holy Week), following the festival in Guadalajara. The most recent festival included contemporary Mexican films such as the acclaimed "La Niña en la Piedra" directed by Maryse Sistach based on the script of José Buil Ríos. An homage was given to local cinematographer Ángel Goded, recognized for his work with award-winning director Felipe Cazals. Other offerings beyond the borders provided viewers with several Spanish and Brazilian films.

Gourmet Festival, Lucky Thirteen
By Josef Kandoll W

As co-founder Heinz Reize says, "This year the Gourmet Festival is not only growing, but it's about quality instead of quantity. While we would like it to include everybody, we have stringent requirements." This year's 24 restaurants include the top echelon dining spots in Banderas Bay, including places from the South Shore to downtown Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita.

"We have a very balanced program this year," says Chef Heinz who thirteen years ago was at the helm of the Krystal Hotel and president of the Hotel and Motel Association when he sat down with Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes to consider numerous options for increasing occupancy in November, a month that typically might reach 50 percent in those darker days. "We considered a "Dixieland" jazz festival and a take-off on the Guadalajara mariachi festival, but what seemed the most promising and the most universal is dining since everyone has to eat. And both being chefs, we had communication with some of the best chefs of Europe. The idea was to not only to invite them here to work and teach our local chefs, but to allow an interchange of ideas and methods."

The astoundingly successful International Gourmet Festival, now in its thirteenth year, proves that cooperation breaks boundaries and crosses frontiers. November occupancy is now close to 90 percent for much of the month. Every year at that time, chefs visit from Europe, Asia and the Americas with opportunities for learning, appreciating, meeting and just plain good dining. Gourmet festival events are scheduled from November 13 - 23, 2008. www.festivalgourmet.com

Heinze Reize continues to operate the successful Coco Tropical in the Zona Romántica of Puerto Vallarta.
www.cocotropical.com

Thierry Blouet: Co-founder of Festival Gourmet

When asked what makes a festival successful, Thierry Blouet smiles. "It's not just a fantastic idea that makes it work," he explains. "A good idea is essential, but there has to be the organization behind it. In fact, I think it shouldn't even be considered a festival until it's been around maybe three or four years."

The accomplished entrepreneur is the chef and owner of the internationally renowned Café des Artistes, which just celebrated 15 years in 2005. Never one to rest on his laurels, awards and recognitions, he was still refining the concept when he organized the first annual gourmet festival with two friends, also in the business. With 12 memorable years of existence, the Festival Gourmet now involves nearly 30 local gourmet restaurants and hotels with invited chefs coming to this coastal city from around the world.

"Beyond the idea and organization," Blouet continues, "a festival must do something for the community. That includes the business sector, residents, employees and visitors. It must be a positive experience. And probably the most difficult element is establishing a rapport with the core sponsors who believe in you and your dream."

Puerto Vallarta has made its name as a gourmet destination after years of continued work, not only in Blouet's own business, which has grown to include three concepts, but within the entire food service industry. "We work together, we cooperate and look for new ideas. The world keeps changing, and we have to keep abreast of it to keep attracting our regular clients and new ones too."