Guillermo del Toro gets emotional at Morelia Film Festival, says 'we’re handing down a world in ruins'

His remarks came as he received the festival’s Artistic Excellence Award in recognition of his contributions to cinema

Guillermo del Toro became emotional while reflecting on the state of the world during his appearance at the 24th Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico, where he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed dark fantasy film Pan’s Labyrinth. The Oscar-winning filmmaker lamented the world younger generations are inheriting, saying it pained him to see older generations fail those who would come after them.

“We’re handing down a world in ruins,” del Toro said, describing a world he believes has become morally, spiritually and socially fragmented. The director was visibly moved as he spoke about the responsibility of previous generations and the challenges facing young people today.

Del Toro attended the festival to present a restored 3D version of Pan’s Labyrinth, his 2006 Spanish-language fantasy film that explores the brutality of fascism through the perspective of a young girl. The film follows Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, who escapes into a fantastical world while navigating the horrors of post-Civil War Spain under the authoritarian rule of Francisco Franco.

The anniversary screening offered an opportunity to revisit the film’s themes of authoritarianism, resistance and the power of imagination. Del Toro drew parallels between the political climate depicted in the film and the resurgence of fascist ideas in contemporary society, arguing that the mechanisms used to maintain power, including division, hatred and antagonism, remain relevant.

The filmmaker also reflected on how difficult it can be to maintain hope in a world increasingly shaped by cynicism and hostility. He argued that solidarity and the belief that people can come together are sometimes dismissed as naïve, while pessimism can be mistaken for intelligence.

Despite his concerns, del Toro emphasised the importance of continuing to believe in the possibility of a better future. He suggested that acknowledging the failures of previous generations and expressing genuine regret to younger people could be a meaningful starting point for rebuilding trust.

The director’s appearance at Morelia also extended beyond cinema. During his visit, he voiced support for people protesting the water crisis in Guadalajara, his hometown, where residents have raised concerns about the quality of their water supply. Del Toro defended the use of cultural events as spaces for public discussion, arguing that access to clean water should be treated as a basic human right rather than something people must fight to obtain.

His remarks came as he received the festival’s Artistic Excellence Award in recognition of his contributions to Mexican and international cinema. The event brought together several collaborators associated with Pan’s Labyrinth, including actress Ivana Baquero, cinematographer Guillermo Navarro and producer Bertha Navarro.

Released in 2006, Pan’s Labyrinth became one of del Toro’s most celebrated films, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning three Oscars for cinematography, art direction and makeup. Its blend of historical drama, dark fantasy and political allegory has helped establish it as a landmark of contemporary cinema.

Two decades after the film’s release, del Toro’s reflections demonstrated why its themes continue to resonate. By connecting the story’s portrayal of authoritarianism and resistance with present-day concerns, the filmmaker used the anniversary to highlight not only the enduring power of storytelling but also the responsibility of older generations to the people who will inherit the world they leave behind.