Mexican filmmaker Pancho Rodríguez has died at the age of 50. His passing was confirmed over the weekend by both the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the Guadalajara Directorate of Culture, which issued statements honoring his contributions to cinema. Rodríguez was a prominent figure in the Guadalajara film industry, known for his compelling storytelling and cultural insights.
Remembering a Cultural Icon
Rodríguez’s notable works include Calling an Angel (2007), which garnered the Audience Award at the Guadalajara Film Festival, and The Big Wish (2017), a nominee for Best Animated Feature at the Ariel Awards. The Guadalajara Directorate of Culture expressed deep sorrow at his death, stating, “We recognize his invaluable contribution to Jalisco cinema and his constant pursuit of stories with identity and sensitivity.”
In a heartfelt tribute, the statement continued, “His film Calling an Angel, winner of the Audience Award at the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), illustrates his dedication to authentic narratives. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the Guadalajara artistic community. His work will endure.”
A Lasting Legacy
Rodríguez’s most recent film, Abracadaver, screened at the Guadalajara Film Festival. The festival remarked, “The Guadalajara International Film Festival deeply regrets the passing of Pancho Rodríguez, a filmmaker from Guadalajara whose sensitivity, identity, and humor marked more than two decades of audiovisual creation.”
Throughout his career, Rodríguez actively participated in various editions of the FICG. His film Llamando a un ángel resonated with audiences, reflecting the strong affection his viewers held for him. The festival highlighted that Abracadaver was part of the 2025 competition in the Made in Jalisco section, underscoring the ongoing relevance of his creative voice.
Rodríguez’s influence on the Jalisco film scene has left an indelible mark, and the tributes from both the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the Guadalajara Directorate of Culture emphasize the profound impact he had on the community and the broader film industry.
