A Decade of Scientific Dissemination in Mexico
MUNIC 2025, the National Scientific Images Showcase, marks its 10th anniversary as a crucial platform for scientific dissemination in Mexico. This year, the festival will project its program across 14 venues in Mexico City from September 18 to October 19, aiming to connect science, culture, and community. Festival director Roxana Eisenmann announced this in a press conference, emphasizing the importance of bringing scientific knowledge closer to people.
Beyond Data Transmission
MUNIC 2025 goes beyond merely transmitting scientific data or discoveries. It aims to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and demonstrate that science is an integral part of everyday life. Moreover, cinema opens doors to new questions, fosters scientific careers, and provides a fertile ground for storytelling rooted in science.
Honoring Martha Duhne and Chile’s Presence
This edition of MUNIC will pay tribute to Martha Duhne Backhauss, a pioneer of scientific dissemination in Mexico. Duhne, who has dedicated her life to this work through written and audiovisual media, highlighted the significance of her efforts. She recalled how challenging it was initially to convince people about the necessity of discussing science, describing herself and fellow disseminators as “aliens.” However, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of disseminators in making complex information accessible.
Innovation and Expansion
MUNIC 2025 introduces several innovations reflecting its growth. For the first time, it will feature a guest country: Chile. The South American nation will showcase HOLA FLINKO, a series of animated capsules targeting early childhood, promoting awareness about endangered animals through music and art.
Furthermore, the festival expands its offerings with a new category of short films produced by children and young adults. This initiative aims to foster interest in science among the younger generation, a key audience for MUNIC.
Collaboration: The Key to Expansion
Institutional collaboration has been vital to MUNIC’s success. Representing the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINE), Amaranta Navarro praised the institution’s pride in supporting a project that “distinguishes itself by demonstrating multiple approaches to cinema.”
Thanks to the Fomento al Cine Mexicano (Focine) call for support, MUNIC 2025 will not only be present in Mexico City but also reach the states of Estado de México, Campeche, and Morelos, contributing to the spread of knowledge and strengthening cinema’s role as a tool for social dialogue and transformation.
A Festival with Purpose
Abril Alzaga, director of Procine—an institution supporting the project—emphasized that backing MUNIC extends beyond financial support. “It’s an investment in making scientific knowledge accessible through cinema’s emotional, imaginative, and narrative power.” Alzaga underscored the festival’s mission to democratize knowledge and reach communities with educational disadvantages, proving that science and culture are interconnected rather than separate spheres.
Cinema in Cinemas and Digital Platforms
Jorge Martínez Micher, subdirector of Filmoteca UNAM—the festival’s main venue—also highlighted the importance of exhibiting cinema in cinemas. However, he acknowledged that digital platforms are essential for reaching a broader audience. “Cinema is cinema because of science, and we must make room for these topics,” he stated.
Recognizing Women in Science
This year’s Mujeres en la Ciencia category winner, Luisa Cantú Ríos, will receive the special recognition “Marco Julio Linares Quintero In Memoriam.” Roxana Eisenmen explained that this category, created to highlight the work of Mexican female scientists, has been successful in showcasing women’s talent and dedication in a field where they often go unrecognized.
