Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Quintana Roo chapter of the National Chamber of the Film Industry (Canacine) is pushing to establish the state as a competitive destination for film production, aiming to attract at least seven family-oriented movies over the next few years as part of a broader effort to diversify the local economy beyond traditional tourism.
Sofía Ibáñez, president of Canacine in the state, said the strategic plan will be formally presented on June 6 during the chamber’s official launch event. The event will feature actress and producer Esmeralda Soto, who is involved in one of the initial projects focusing on digital citizenship and the impact of screens on youth.
Ibáñez emphasized that the seven targeted productions are family-friendly and designed to take advantage of the state’s existing tourism infrastructure and international connectivity. The initiative aims not only to showcase the natural beauty of the Mexican Caribbean but also to create a solid labor structure.
Under the state’s filming law, 70% of the personnel involved in these productions must be Mexican, which Ibáñez said represents a direct opportunity to hire local talent and operational staff in Quintana Roo.
“The goal is to generate an industry where people can make a living from it and diversify the economy toward a recreational industry that brings job development,” she said.
However, Ibáñez acknowledged that one of the main challenges is the lack of local regulations and municipal film commissions to generate concrete statistics on the current economic impact. Currently, only the municipality of Playa del Carmen has a film commission that issues specific permits.
To compete not only with other Mexican states but also internationally, Canacine aims to professionalize the local sector and serve as a bridge with the government to provide support in security, civil protection, and specialized logistics.
The chamber will also help local businesses take advantage of federal tax incentives, which offer up to 30% support with a cap of 40 million pesos (about $2 million USD).
