At the 24th Morelia International Film Festival, Guillermo del Toro appeared to present the 3D version of "Pan's Labyrinth" — and immediately found himself at the center of attention.
Guillermo del Toro Tears Up as He Says ‘We’re Handing Down a World in Ruins’: ‘It Pains Me Deeply to See Three Generations Fail the Next’ variety.com/2026/film/glob…
Fans surrounded the director, the masterclass lasted almost three hours, and the press conference ran longer than planned.
This is already del Toro's third return to the festival: 20 years ago the original was shown here, and later "The Shape of Water."
Before the start, he was awarded the UNAM film archive medal, the same award Alfonso Cuarón had also received.
Asked what had changed over two decades, del Toro answered in tears: "The state of our species and society has surpassed all previous conceptions. But I recognize the same sadness and despair."
He added that it is painful to see generations betray those who follow, handing them "a world in ruins — morally, socially and spiritually."
The director recalled how the shooting of "Pan's Labyrinth" became a turning point for him, and how the 22-minute ovation at Cannes changed the lives of the entire team.
Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro and producer Bertha Navarro also shared memories of the difficulties and of overcoming them.
The young actress Ivana Bakro called the film a turning point in her career.
Del Toro stressed that now is "a moment of urgency," when the film must speak again to a new generation.
Asked about the protests in Guadalajara, he answered firmly: the voices of the young must be heard, and he is 100 % with them.
The Morelia festival will run until 25 October, and the 3D version of "Pan's Labyrinth" is already generating new interest among viewers.
