Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20 Issue

A Peek Inside the Los Cabos International Film Festival
by Olivia Balsinger
Move over Sundance and Cannes.
Besides its intriguing, unique landscapes
of beaches, deserts and
mountainous cliffs, Los Cabos has yet another
reason why you should visit. The Los Cabos
International Film Festival, which occurs each
November in this municipality located at the
southern tip of Mexico's Baja California
Peninsula, is continually growing in prominence.
Beginning in 2012, the mission of The Los
Cabos Film Festival is to “positively contribute
to the growth of the global film culture, focusing
especially in Mexico, Canada, and the
United States.” The festival’s aim is not only to
showoff domestic and international talent, but
to also highlight the destination’s beauty and
culture on a world stage. The films, of course,
are a draw in themselves and often the premier
for the Latin American market. In 2019,
the festival debuted The Irishman, and the
legendary Robert De Niro was spotted on the
red carpet, amongst a slew of other A-Lister
Hollywood figures. Los Cabos is a playground
for movie stars all seasons.
Throughout the festival, there are no shortage
of parties and events happening in Los
Cabos. The whole surrounding radiates energy,
with bars, restaurants, and lounges catering
to their international visitors. It is a prime
opportunity to indulge in luxury experiences
and also network during hosted conversations,
dinner parties, and less formally, over a
beer on the exquisite Los Cabos beaches.
a town an hour outside glamorous Los
Cabos, where the desert greets the striking
mountains - is an experience in itself. Here art
reigns, and between the murals and architecture
of the charming streets, it is easy to get
blissfully lost admiring the culture.
Of course, planning your accommodation
during the festival is just as important as lining
up events and parties. Hotel El Ganzo is
an eclectic, vibrant hotel sandwiched between
the bay and mountains, which boasts a pristine
rooftop pool and the only underground
recording studio in the area with “Gonzo
Sessions.” Another choice, The Guaycura
Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa, delivers
guests a unique Mexican experience on an
accessible corner in Todos Santo, steps away
from lively galleries and restaurants. With traditionally
decorated rooms and a rooftop terrace
overlooking the peninsula's most dramatic
nature, it is the perfect retreat from the
buzz of the festival. Vista Encantada Spa
Resort & Residences in Cabo San Lucas maintains
a level of superiority and high-end luxury,
with uninterrupted views of the surrounding
sparkling Pacific Ocean, for those craving
relaxation.
In addition to gaining worldwide fame for its
astonishing scenery, sultry nightlife and
charming culture, The Los Cabos
International Film Festival provides further
incentive to add this destination to your list.
www.cabosfilmfestival.com
Speaking to the region’s natural assets,
another perk of attending this festival is the
sheer amount of sunlight and activities outside
of film screenings. Nothing screams “A-List
Celebrity” like exploring Los Cabos on a fullserviced
yacht. For an authentic cultural experience,
a farm-to-table cooking class at
Huerta Los Tamarindos gives local insight into
making aromatic Mexican cuisine. And of
course strolling around sleepy Todos Santos -