Get ready, film lovers! The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival 2025 is coming in hot, and we’ve got an exciting lineup of screenings, special events, and filmmaker Q&As waiting for you. Set in the stunning beachside community of Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, this year’s festival (April 2-6) promises an unforgettable mix of global cinema, inspiring stories, and immersive experiences under the stars.
From exclusive premieres to outdoor screenings, every moment is designed to bring film and culture together in a truly unique way. Bookmark this page—our full festival schedule details will be updated below so you can plan your perfect cinematic escape!
IMPORTANT: SCREENING TIMES AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE: PLEASE RE-VISIT AND REFRESH THIS PAGE!
RUNNING ORDER BELOW AND LISTED OUT AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
The first morning session of the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival 2025 kicks off at Munchy’s Cinema on the Patio, setting the stage for a compelling lineup of films that explore resilience, identity, and the power of human connection. The session opens with The Graceless Age, a deeply personal documentary following the acclaimed singer-songwriter John Murry as he journeys from the depths of addiction and despair to a renewed sense of purpose through music. From Ireland to Mississippi and finally Toronto, Murry’s road to redemption is both raw and inspiring, culminating in a creative reunion with Canadian music legend Mike Timmins (Cowboy Junkies).
The festival then takes a sharp turn into the world of intrigue with Love Hides in the Open, a suspenseful yet comedic exploration of chance encounters and mistaken identity in the charming city of Cambridge. Shot guerrilla-style on an iPhone to capture the authenticity of the bustling streets, this film unravels an unexpected chain of events when a romantic pursuit takes an unforeseen twist.
Next, Capacity in Reserve delivers an astonishing true story of resilience, following Rob Spencer, a man who loses all 23 years of his memories in a tragic accident yet refuses to be defined by his past—or lack thereof. His journey of rebuilding a life from scratch is a testament to the incredible adaptability of the human spirit.
Closing out the morning session is Chanting of the Dunes, a sweeping cinematic tribute to the life and legacy of Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai, an artist, architect, and archaeologist whose story spans continents and generations. With stunning archival visuals and an evocative soundtrack, this documentary paints a mesmerizing portrait of a man whose influence reached far beyond his time.
THE PREMIERE (USA, Directed by Jon Silver) On the evening of his debut movie premiere, Jacob Sanders is besieged by escalating problems and paranoid hallucinations projected on the screen. Catastrophe threatens at every corner - his family quarrels, the audience grumbles, the popcorn machine malfunctions, and the movie file fails to play. These issues are intensified by the speculated appearance of a renowned Actor. Jacob battles to avert disaster, all while managing criticisms, expectations, and unsettling creations of his mind.
The film, featuring local Puerto Aventuras resident Keith Furones, "Historias del Canal" (Panama) is a fiction feature that portrays, through the vision of five Panamanian directors, stories spanning a century. Men, women, and children are influenced by the existence of the Canal, the event that changed the history not only of a country but of the world.
"Somewhere Confidential" is a darkly comedic film noir from director Casey Siegel (USA) that plunges viewers into the twisted world of detective Guthrie Hayward. As he spirals through a labyrinth of vice and deceit, his unconventional allies include a loyal dingo accountant, his drug-addled siblings, and an enigmatic Mennonite with possibly mystical abilities. With danger lurking at every corner and a cryptic conspiracy pushing society to its limits, Guthrie must navigate treacherous waters to crack the case and make a clean getaway.
In “Some Kind Of Justice” from director Brian Jervay (USA), Gerald’s world shatters when his only child is senselessly murdered. With no witnesses and the police at a dead end, he joins forces with another grieving father to hunt down those responsible to make them pay.
Shrouded Destiny: A Star Wars Long Tale – Fan Production (Part 1 of 3) transports viewers 500 years before the Clone Wars, when the Galactic Republic constructs “The Citadel,” a maximum-security prison for rogue Jedi. This thrilling chapter follows the dramatic retrieval of one such Jedi, blending deep lore with high-stakes adventure.
Directed by Danish actor and filmmaker Shahbaz Sarwar and starring acclaimed actor Lars Mikkelsen, this fan-made epic is the largest Star Wars fan film ever produced, boasting over 525 global volunteers. Sarwar’s ultimate goal? To capture the attention of Lucasfilm and share his bold vision for expanding the Star Wars universe—one festival selection at a time.
Guardians, directed by Rick Walker, a thought-provoking film intertwining faith, redemption, and unseen forces that guide us. Starring Eric Roberts, Taylor Armstrong, and Mackenzie McIntyre, the film weaves three compelling narratives: a preacher who immerses his congregation in biblical times, a teacher overcoming personal struggles, and guardian angels intervening in life-or-death moments. Set against stunning Utah landscapes, Guardians captivates with its emotional depth and unpredictable storytelling. Its selection at PAIFF highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing powerful, inspiring cinema.
Fin de Viaje Sahara whisks audiences back to the wild heart of the 1970s, where two daring young Spaniards, Javier and Rafa, set out on a fearless trek across the Sahara Desert in search of adventure, danger, and something deeper. Amidst sandstorms and sun-scorched days, they encounter the magnetic Florence—a mysterious French muse whose beauty stirs their hearts—and confront the peril of "Desert Pirates," the mesmerizing Tuareg culture, and the unforgiving desert itself. But it’s Javier who stumbles upon the soul of the Sahara: the powerful secret of Tin-Hinan, the legendary Tuareg princess whose story changes everything.
This extraordinary film comes from Spanish director, producer, and screenwriter Antonio Rodriguez Cabal, a seasoned filmmaker and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Cabal fuses his deep visual storytelling roots with a passion for history and myth, reviving a dream that once disappeared into the dunes. Fin de Viaje Sahara is more than a film—it’s a resurrection of memory, magic, and the mystery of the desert.
Fear (India) is a gripping psychological suspense thriller from India, inspired by true events and crafted to captivate audiences who appreciate intense, layered storytelling. Directed by Haritha Gogineni, the film unfolds across three intricately woven narrative layers, delving deep into the human psyche where fear and reality blur beyond recognition. More than just a thriller, Fear delivers a powerful message, inviting viewers on a chilling yet profound journey into the mind’s darkest corners—and the strength it takes to emerge.
The Brattt (Russia), starring Eric Roberts, directed by Valeriy Pereverzev, is a story full of twists and layers, where a couple of unlucky robbers, a general's daughter and her street artist boyfriend, and a gang of mercenaries all meet on the streets of the Russian city of Tambov. The film consists of five interwoven yet self-sufficient novellas, each with its own plot yet a part of the bigger picture.
The Power of One (USA, Columbia), directed by Alex Valdez, Pablo De la Fuente –A team of documentary filmmakers travel to a secret ecological sanctuary deep in the jungles of Colombia, where a conservationist planted 10,000 trees in a deforested field to rebuild an endangered ecosystem. Together, they embark on a mission to tell his inspiring story and realize his dream of turning this area into a proper nature reserve.
PAIFF is honored to host the world festival premiere of Greenpeace Mexico's documentary, Voces de la Selva Maya: Una Batalla por la Vida (Voices of the Mayan Jungle: A Battle for Life), on April 5, 2025. This powerful film exposes the relentless destruction of the Mayan jungle—Mexico's vital "green lung"—due to deforestation, industrial agriculture, large-scale pig farms, property development, and the controversial Mayan Train project. It amplifies the voices of indigenous communities and environmental defenders striving to protect their land and heritage. Greenpeace Mexico representatives and local ecological advocates will attend the screening, engaging in a Q&A session to shed light on these critical environmental and social issues. This premiere underscores PAIFF's commitment to showcasing impactful cinema that fosters environmental awareness and cultural preservation.
IMPORTANT: SCREENING TIMES AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE: PLEASE RE-VISIT AND REFRESH THIS PAGE!
Wednesday, April 2nd:
Kick-off event and check-in at Nauti Burro, @ 5pm
music video, animation, short films and experimental screenings
Beam You Up Scotty (New Zealand), Directed by Hannah Samantha Simicic
Escape Room (Russia), Directed by Vladislav Kovtunoskii
Illuminatus! (USA), Directed by Chris KalisMortem Obire (Mexico), Directed by David Canton Kosberg
Robofauna (Panama), Directed by Gerardo Escudero Samara
The Girl From The Wood (Russia), Directed by Alexander Mulumbator Ovsyankin
The Last Gunfight… yet! (France), Directed by Pablo Tréhin-Marçot
The Nightmare of the Running Ones (Bulgaria), Directed by Ivan Kashlakov
Another Round - James Downham (Canada), Directed by AJ Astle, Jake Sauvee
It Sparks - Robert John Hope (Germany), Directed by Shane Serrano
Gin Lane Revisited - Robert John Hope (Germany), Directed by Merle Sibbel
JÓLAKÖTTURINN (Iceland, USA), Directed by Dan Hertzog
KRYLA (Ukraine), Directed by Anastasiia Lapko
The Abyss (Argentina), Directed by Andres Aloi
The Elephants of Avalon Beach (Australia), Directed by Jae Morrison At Night Time (Iran), Directed by Mahmood Arib Come Out Wherever You Are (USA), Directed by Caitlin Presberg Fruitless (Portugal), Directed by Orlando Solano In Half (Spain), Directed by Jorge Morais Valle
Indefinitely (USA), Directed by Aloha Lee
Mahsoo (Iran), Directed by Fatemeh Mehdipoor Ojichaag - Spirit Within (Canada), Directed by Rachel Beaulieu The Story of a Colorful Day (Iran), Directed by Mahmood Arib Reflection (Iran), Directed by Maedeh Abdi Small Things (USA), Directed by Angela Andronache Snakes & Ladders (Iran), Directed by Mostafa Rostampour
Surete de Matar (The Act of Death) (USA), Directed by Diego Rocha
Thursday, April 3rd:
Morning screening sessions at Munchy's, @ 10am The Graceless Age: The Ballad of John Murry (Ireland), Directed by Sarah Share
Love Hides In The Open (UK), Directed by Brian Finucane
Capacity In Reserve (USA), Directed by Brandon Harrop
Chanting of the Dunes (USA), Directed by Mokhless Al-Hariri
The Silver Lining (UK), Directed by Mikey Altoft
MEOW! (UK), Directed by Michal Vojtech, Ariel de la Garza Davidoff
Evening screening sessions outdoors at the Divot (screen A) @ 7pm Conscious Co-Working (Mexico), Directed by Matt Crowe
The Premiere (USA), Directed by Jon Silver
Historias del Canal (Panama), Directed by Carolina Borrero, Pinky Mon, Luis Franco Brantley, Abner Benaim y Pituka Ort Evening screening sessions outdoors at the Nauti Burro (screen B) @ 6pm
Somewhere Confidential (USA), Directed by Casey Siegel
Some Kind of Justice (USA), Directed by Brian Jervay
Friday, April 4th:
Morning screening sessions at Munchy's, @ 10am
The Ninth Order (Australia), Directed by Nick John A'Hern Return of the Black Madonna (Mexico, USA), Directed by Kerra Bolton Okhaldhunga (Germany, Switzerland, Nepal), Directed by Marcel Weiß
Unspoken (Poland), Directed by Maciej Adamek The Uvalde Love Project (USA), Directed by Dacia Saenz By The Sea (Switzerland), Directed by Stephan Eigenmann
Children of Icarus (USA), Directed by Gary Fieldman Doppel (Mexico), Directed by Daniela Alejandra Hernandez Álvarez Nothing (USA), Directed by Tom Miller
Nowhere (Iran), Directed by Erfan Parsapour Quarantine (Iran), Directed by Uranus Independent Company The End Was Just The Beginning (Portugal), Directed by Antonio Aleixo
Evening screening sessions at PA Hotel & Beach Club (screen A) @ 7pm
Shrouded Destiny: A Star Wars Tale... (Denmark), Directed by Shahbaz Sarwar &Erik Alejandro Gonzalez
Guardians (USA), Directed by Rick Walker
Sahara: End of Trip (Spain), Directed by Antonio Rodriguez Cabal
Evening screening sessions at PA Hotel & Beach Club (screen B) @ 6pm FEAR (India), Directed by Haritha Gogineni
The Brattt (Russia), Directed by Valeriy Pereverzev
Saturday, April 5th:
Morning screening sessions at Munchy's @ 10am
The Michoacan File (Mexico), Directed by Bernardo Arsuaga The Food That Fuels (USA), Directed by Ed Porter
Braiding Knowledge through breath... (Canada), Directed by Jessica Barudin Out Of The Picture (USA), Directed by Mary Louise Schumacher The Fries Rebellion (USA), Directed by Dan Hertzog
Evening screening sessions at PA Hotel & Beach Club (screen A) @ 7pm
An Old Friend (USA), Directed by Nuk Suwanchote
The Power of One (Columbia, USA), Directed by Alex Valdez, Pablo De la Fuente Vocas de la Selva Maya: Una batalla por la vida (Mexico), Directed by Benjamin Soto y Carlos Samayoa
Evening screening sessions at PA Hotel & Beach Club (screen B) @ 6pm Poyyamozhi (India), Directed by Sudhi Anna
Katabasis (Italy), Directed by Samantha Casella
Sunday, April 6th:
Special panel discussion and special session at Nauti Burro @ 11am
Panel Discussian: "Constructing Puerto" with special guest Roman Rivera Torres and film
Evening RED CARPET GALA and Awards Ceremony @ 6pm
at DREAMS Resort Riviera Maya
RED CARPET GALA, AWARDS CEREMONY AND DINNER RECEPTION
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