Jalisco Film Fund Launches 2016 Risk Equity Film Investment Initiative

The Jalisco Film Fund, a co-investor in Diego Luna's "Mr. Pig," has renewed its risk equity film investment scheme for 2016. It offers up to Pesos 17 million ($922,000) to international co-productions that shoot 40% of locations in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This unique financing scheme complements federal funding sources and has contributed to Mexico's thriving movie production scene. The Fund has invested in projects such as "Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos" and "Mr. Pig," which explores the themes of family, loss, and rediscovery.

Jalisco Film Fund Unveils 2016 Risk Equity Film Investment Scheme

Guadalajara, Mexico - The Jalisco Film Fund (JFF), a co-investor in Diego Luna's "Mr. Pig" starring Danny Glover, is renewing its risk equity film investment scheme for 2016. The fund will offer up to Pesos 17 million (approximately $922,000) to one international co-production that shoots at least 40% of its locations in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

JFF President Alberto Lamas Flores officially launched the 2016 call for applications on Tuesday, January 26th, coinciding with the Sundance world premiere of "Mr. Pig." The film marks the directorial debut of Luna, who also stars in Amazon's "Casanova" pilot and gained recognition for his critically acclaimed 2010 Sundance entry, "Abel."

Chosen to support "Mr. Pig" by Mexico City and Los Angeles-based Canana, a production company founded by Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Pablo Cruz, the Jalisco Film Fund represents the only equity financing scheme available among Mexico's 31 states, according to JFF Director Rodolfo Guzman Salas.

"The JFF investment complements federal funding sources such as the Eficine 189 tax finance and direct financing lines from the Mexican Film Institute (Imcine)," said Guzman Salas, highlighting the extensive financing options that have contributed to Mexico's thriving film production scene.

Lamas Flores emphasized that studio work can also count towards a film's location requirement. The Pesos 17 million international incentive will be allocated to a single project, with 40% of the film's locations determined by screen time. The Jalisco Film Fund investment follows a first-out structure, aligning with other producers, added Guzman Salas.

Starring Danny Glover as Eubanks, a former California pig farmer who embarks on a journey to find a home for his last pig, Howard, after being forced to sell his farm, "Mr. Pig" was filmed in various locations throughout Jalisco. These include the Pacific coast town of Yelapa, the pine-covered mountains of Mascota, the agave-surrounded town of Tequila, the Altos of Jalisco on the Guanajuato border, and the state's modern capital, Guadalajara, which defies common stereotypes of Mexico.

The Jalisco Film Fund invested "almost $1 million" in "Mr. Pig," Cruz revealed. This investment not only supplements Mexican federal funding sources but can also bridge financing gaps for certain productions.

Often referred to as Mexico's Silicon Valley, Guadalajara is a hub for high-tech and animation industries. Distributed by Pantelion, the third installment of the Mexican animated franchise, "Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos," generated $9.1 million, making it the fourth-biggest foreign-language release in the U.S. this decade. Guzman Salas noted that a significant portion of the film's animation was produced in Jalisco. Animated features are also eligible for JFF funding.

Mexico produces approximately 130 films annually. Jalisco, the birthplace of iconic Mexican traditions like mariachi and tequila, is also the country's agricultural heartland and the largest generator of new jobs, according to Lamas Flores.

"Jalisco is one of the best partners Canana has ever worked with," said Cruz from Sundance. "Its proximity to Mexico City is convenient for filming, and Guadalajara is a cosmopolitan city. The state offers everything from sea to desert, mountains to jungle."

Cruz underscored Jalisco's unique advantage: "Apart from the fund's incentives, locations, and talent support, Jalisco can provide a nearly complete crew. You have excellent location managers, electricians, and can bring just a few key personnel from Mexico City."

Described by Luna as "a love letter to our parents" that explores "the time when we as children must be the ones to say goodbye" to them, "Mr. Pig" also stars Maya Rudolph ("Saturday Night Live") as Eubanks' daughter, Eunice. Grounded in personal experiences, Luna and co-writer Augusto Mendoza incorporated only Jalisco characters and locations encountered during their research trip. Eubanks' journey of self-discovery mirrors his emotional reconnection with his daughter, friends, and life's priorities.

Launched in late 2014, the Jalisco Film Fund supported Fernando Lebrija's romantic comedy "Sundown" in its first year of operation, 2015. In 2016, it plans to invest up to Pesos 8 million ($434,000) in a Mexican film project.

Some U.S. producers may have safety concerns about filming in Mexico. However, Guzman Salas emphasized that Mexico is the Latin American country with the highest number of foreign productions, including recent examples like "Spectre," "Sundown," "Mr. Pig," "Sicario," "Einsenstein in Guanajuato," and TV series "Empire Falls," "Mozart in the Jungle," and "Sense8."

"The Jalisco Film Fund is committed to supporting international co-productions and promoting Jalisco as a premier filming destination," said Lamas Flores. "We believe that our competitive investment scheme, combined with the state's diverse locations, skilled professionals, and cultural heritage, will continue to attract filmmakers from around the world."

For more information on the Jalisco Film Fund and its application process, interested parties can visit www.jaliscofilmfund.com.