Formation of the Mexican Federation of Cinema Producers (FMPC)
In the context of the International Film Festival of Guadalajara (FICG), which kicked off this weekend, Mexican producers have established the Mexican Federation of Cinema Producers (FMPC). The federation, led by Oscar-winning producer Nicolás Celis (“Roma”), aims to defend copyrights and intellectual property rights in the face of using audiovisual content for training artificial intelligence.
Background and Relevance
In February 2024, numerous independent producers and filmmakers in Mexico gathered in Mexico City to discuss various challenges facing the audiovisual industry. Key concerns included professionalizing sub-industries, ensuring social security for workers, strengthening ties with platforms, increasing Mexican film screenings in both commercial cinemas and digital spaces, and implementing more robust tax policies to encourage private investment in national films.
FMPC’s Founding and Members
The FMPC, officially launched during the FICG’s opening weekend, represents over 100 independent audiovisual producers in Mexico. It unites three existing associations: the Mexican Association of Independent Producers (AMPI), the Mexican Association of Film Producers and Distributors (APDPM), and the Audiovisual Producers’ Rights Management Entity (EGEDA). The Academy of Mexican Arts and Cinematographic Sciences (AMACC) is an honorary member.
Unified Voice for the Industry
In an interview with El Economista, Nicolás Celis, FMPC founder and Pimienta Films president, Gabriela Gavica (Mandarina Cine and AMPI representative), and Carlos Gómez (EGEDA Director General and FMPC Treasurer) discussed the federation’s objectives.
“This is an exciting time for the Mexican film industry,” Celis said. “Often, producers worked in isolation and needed an organization to specifically represent our interests.”
Gabriela Gavica outlined the federation’s three main focuses: unified representation and defense of producers to influence public policies, collective negotiation with all industry players (distributors, platforms, and unions), fostering Mexican film production and circulation, and promoting sustainable industry development.
Defending Copyrights Against AI Advancements
In recent years, amidst growing concerns over issues like those mentioned above, defending copyrights and intellectual property rights against rapid technological advancements has become a top priority.
“We have several pending issues, but one clear and specific matter regarding copyrights is protecting producers’ audiovisual property rights concerning unauthorized use of works for AI training. This usage isn’t authorized, and we need to regularize this issue,” explained Carlos Gómez, representing the primary intellectual property defense organization in the production sector.
To address this, FMPC has initiated conversations with relevant committees in both the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, as well as institutions like Indautor and Imcine. However, the federation also aims to establish an international voice, as regulating unauthorized audiovisual material use for AI training requires transnational agreements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Mexican Federation of Cinema Producers (FMPC)? The FMPC is an organization uniting over 100 independent Mexican audiovisual producers, aiming to defend their interests and promote sustainable industry development.
- Which associations does the FMPC represent? The FMPC represents the Mexican Association of Independent Producers (AMPI), the Mexican Association of Film Producers and Distributors (APDPM), the Audiovisual Producers’ Rights Management Entity (EGEDA), and the Academy of Mexican Arts and Cinematographic Sciences (AMACC) as an honorary member.
- What are the FMPC’s main objectives? The FMPC aims to unify producers’ voices for public policy influence, foster Mexican film production and circulation, and promote sustainable industry development.
- What is the FMPC’s stance on AI and copyrights? The FMPC seeks to protect producers’ audiovisual property rights from unauthorized use for AI training, advocating for regularization through conversations with relevant committees and institutions.
