Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival Returns for Five Days of Independent Cinema

Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) will return for its third edition from March 25–29, 2026, bringing five days of independent film programming to the marina-front community of Puerto Aventuras in the Riviera Maya.

Now entering its third year, the festival continues to establish itself as a boutique destination event, connecting filmmakers, artists, audiences, and industry guests in a coastal setting known for its marina, beaches, and walkable village atmosphere.

For 2026, PAIFF received 170 submissions and selected 99 official entries, including screenplay competition finalists and honorable mentions. More than 77 projects are scheduled to screen, comprising 18 feature films, 52 short films, and 10 music videos.

The lineup reflects strong international representation, with films connected to 28 countries when accounting for co-productions. The United States leads with 28 selections, followed by Mexico with 12 and Spain with 7. Canada contributes 5 titles, while Australia and Germany each present 4. Brazil and Iran each have 3 entries. Israel, Italy, and South Korea each contribute 2. Additional participating countries include Barbados, Belgium, China, Ecuador, France, India, the Netherlands, Palestine, Panama, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Feature Film Program

A central focus of the 2026 edition is its feature film slate, consisting of 18 pre-distribution narrative and documentary works. The films explore themes including music, migration, identity, family, education, environmental challenges, history, and personal transformation.

Among the most anticipated screenings is a special closing presentation on March 28 at the Par 3 Driving Range, where organizers will stage a golf-cart drive-in cinema experience. Attendees may watch from golf carts or from lawn seating with chairs provided.

Featured titles in that session include:

Sargassum, directed by Claude Barnes (Canada / United States / Barbados / Mexico), is a 90-minute documentary examining the dual role of sargassum as both an essential open-ocean ecosystem and a coastal crisis for Caribbean communities. The film explores the environmental and economic impacts of large-scale seaweed influxes and the innovations emerging to address them. Director Claude Barnes is expected to participate in a post-screening Q&A.

Leaving Beringia, directed by Barbara Hager (Canada / United States / Mexico), is a 90-minute documentary that blends Indigenous oral history with archaeological and scientific research. Métis/Cree filmmaker Barbara Hager travels to key archaeological sites across the Americas, inviting audiences to reconsider established narratives about early human migration. A discussion session is expected to include Octavio del Río, the Mexican underwater archaeologist known for his work recovering Eve of Naharón near Tulum.

Flowers Beyond The Dark, directed by Iryna Pravylo (Ukraine), is a 78-minute documentary filmed during and after the occupation of the Kyiv region. The film follows artists, clergy, soldiers, and civilians navigating devastation while seeking renewal and meaning. The project offers an intimate portrayal of resilience during conflict.

Additional Programming

Throughout the week, festival attendees can participate in more than 20 Q&A sessions with directors, producers, and actors. A special Sunday panel will feature a filmmakers’ discussion and a 10th Anniversary screening of The Weekend Sailor, the documentary chronicling Mexican captain Ramón Carlin’s unexpected 1973 victory in a nine-month round-the-world sailing race. The film is narrated by Simon Le Bon.

Films will be screened in their original languages with English or Spanish subtitles, depending on the program.

PAIFF 2026 includes eight screening sessions, with morning programming and select evenings offering two screening options. Venues include Dreams Resort, Puerto Aventuras Golf & Racquet Club, The Divot, Hoyo 19, Nauti Burro, and Munchy’s.

Festival highlights include the Drive-In Cinema at the Par 3 Driving Range, family-oriented programming at Hoyo 19, and the Red Carpet Gala and Live Awards Ceremony at Dreams Resort.

Tickets and Access

Ticket options range from $49 USD for a one-day pass (covering two sessions), to $99 USD for an all-sessions screenings pass, and $150 USD for a full V.I.P. pass, which includes all screenings plus the all-inclusive Red Carpet Gala at Dreams Resort. Early online purchases reduce the V.I.P. pass price to $120 USD. All pricing is listed in U.S. dollars.

Organizers invite media members and local officials to contact the festival directly for credentials and additional information.

Full schedule details and ticket sales are available at pafilmfestival.mx and pafilmfestival.com.

Media Contact: pafilmfest.info@gmail.com
Dewey Paul Moffitt
deweypaul@pafilmfestival.com

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