Salma Hayek Teams Up with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to Support 30% Cinema Incentive
Salma Hayek Joins Mexican President to Promote New Cinema Support Plan
On Sunday, Oscar-nominated actress Salma Hayek Pinault joined President Claudia Sheinbaum on stage in Mexico City to unveil a new support initiative designed to enhance the country’s film industry. The plan includes a significant 30% income tax incentive aimed at boosting cinema production in Mexico.
During the event, Hayek expressed her gratitude to the Mexican film community, acknowledging its vital role in her career. "I owe my career to the Mexican film community. It was a great honor to stand alongside this same community today and announce this incredible new initiative," she stated.
Before her Hollywood success, the Coatzacoalcos-born actress began her journey in Mexican telenovelas and gained international recognition for her role in Robert Rodriguez’s neo-western Desperado. Among her notable works is the acclaimed portrayal of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the film Frida.
The newly launched initiative represents a comprehensive approach to fostering the film sector, which includes provisions for training, production, exhibition, and preservation. The 30% income tax incentive specifically applies to projects executed within Mexican territory and is part of efforts coordinated with the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público, SHCP). Officially effective as of today, the measure aims to bolster local film and audiovisual production.
Minister of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza detailed that the initiative allows tax incentives up to 30% on expenditures within the country, capping contributions at 40 million pesos (approximately $2.3 million) per project. To qualify, projects must utilize at least 70% domestic suppliers, enhancing local economic participation.
Curiel de Icaza emphasized the goal of attracting high-value international productions while maintaining a robust base for national projects within Mexico. This effort is aimed at strengthening the nation’s creative economy, cultural sovereignty, and the diverse storytelling landscape arising from Mexican territory.
Eligible projects for this incentive include fiction or animated features and series episodes with minimum expenditures of 40 million pesos ($2.3 million), documentary films with expenditures of at least 20 million pesos ($1.1 million), and specific animation or post-production processes that require a minimum investment of 5 million pesos ($291,000).
Reflecting on the announcement, Hayek Pinault remarked, "Mexico has a long and distinguished cinematic legacy and a film industry that is truly world-class, home to some of the most talented and creative artists and technicians I have ever had the privilege of working with. I’m excited that this incentive will help shine an even brighter light on all of this and continue to strengthen and grow this extraordinary film community. Thank you, President Sheinbaum, for having me and for letting me be a part of this historic moment. Viva México."
