Mexico is poised to become an even more attractive destination for film and television production thanks to new tax incentives and the enthusiastic support of both President Claudia Sheinbaum and Hollywood star Salma Hayek. The collaboration signals a renewed commitment to bolstering the country’s creative industries and leveraging its cultural and geographical assets.
Hayek, a Mexican-American actress and producer with a decades-long career in Hollywood, publicly voiced her support for the incentives during a recent event held in the Treasury Hall of the National Palace. According to reports, she became visibly emotional while speaking about the long-fought battle to secure these changes, emphasizing the importance of investing in Mexican stories and talent. “I am very, very excited to be here with you,” Hayek said, reportedly fighting back tears. “I hope I can talk without crying.”
The frustration Hayek referenced stems from years of difficulty in securing funding for projects set in Mexico. She recounted a specific instance where financing for a film intended as a “love letter to Mexico” was contingent on relocating production elsewhere. “I couldn’t get the money if I filmed in Mexico,” she explained, highlighting the disadvantage Mexican productions faced compared to those filmed in countries with more competitive incentive programs.
The new incentives, championed by President Sheinbaum, aim to address this imbalance. The plan, detailed in a meeting between Sheinbaum and Hayek on , focuses on attracting both national and international productions by offering tax breaks and infrastructure support. Hayek underscored the potential for significant job creation and the promotion of Mexican culture on a global scale. Sheinbaum described the meeting as “very positive,” noting the alignment between Hayek’s vision and her administration’s goals for the cultural sector.
Mexico has long been a popular location for filmmakers, drawn to its diverse landscapes and relatively lower production costs. However, the lack of robust incentives previously hindered its ability to compete effectively with other filming destinations. The new measures are expected to significantly enhance Mexico’s appeal, potentially attracting a wider range of projects and investment.
Hayek’s involvement extends beyond simply lending her voice to the cause. She reportedly presented a detailed plan to President Sheinbaum outlining specific strategies for maximizing the impact of the incentives. This plan includes not only financial considerations but also proposals for improving infrastructure and streamlining the production process. The two-hour discussion, as reported by The Yucatan Times, focused on creating a more supportive ecosystem for filmmakers.
The actress’s advocacy also touches on broader issues of representation and cultural preservation. By encouraging more films to be made in Mexico, Hayek hopes to showcase the country’s rich heritage and provide opportunities for Mexican filmmakers and artists to tell their own stories. This aligns with a growing global demand for diverse and authentic narratives.
Salma Hayek’s career began in Mexico with roles in the telenovela Teresa (1989-1991) and the romantic drama Midaq Alley (1995). She subsequently gained international recognition with roles in films like Desperado (1995) and From Dusk till Dawn (1996). Her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic Frida, which she also produced, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress – a historic achievement as the first Mexican actress to receive such recognition. More recently, she has appeared in blockbuster films like Eternals (2021) and continues to work as a producer on a variety of projects.
President Sheinbaum’s enthusiasm for the collaboration was evident in a social media post following the meeting, where she shared a photo with Hayek and captioned it “Mujeres mexicanas” (Mexican women). The post quickly went viral, demonstrating the public’s excitement about the potential benefits of this partnership.
Industry experts suggest that Hayek’s influence and international profile will be instrumental in attracting investment and raising awareness of Mexico’s new incentives. Her commitment to the project, coupled with the government’s support, positions Mexico for a potential boom in film and television production, offering significant economic and cultural benefits for the country.
The long-term impact of these incentives remains to be seen, but the initial response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive. With a renewed focus on supporting local talent and attracting international productions, Mexico is poised to solidify its position as a major player in the global entertainment landscape.
