Our Benefactors program was created in December 2020 thanks to the generous participation of Maria and John Pfeffer who, from then on, have become JIIFF’s Main Benefactors.
Benefactors is a space created for those who share our love and passion for cinema, but most of all, for those who share the purpose that drives us, year after year, to carry out JIIFF as an outstanding and fundamental cultural event in the region.
The impact of the Benefactors in JIIFF transcends the week of screenings and meetings, their contribution makes possible the work of our entire work team throughout the year.
The 14th edition finds the Benefactors group multiplying its footprint by integrating more allies linked to the José Ignacio community and with the desire to help us make a bigger and better JIIFF.

What does it mean to be part of the Benefactors group?

Benefactors' is a space created for those who share our love and passion for cinema, but, above all, the purpose that drives us year after year to make JIIFF an outstanding and essential cultural event in the region.

The impact of our Benefactors on JIIFF goes beyond the week of screenings and gatherings, as their contributions make the work of our entire team possible throughout the year.

As sponsors of JIIFF, our Benefactors receive our public recognition and gratitude, in addition to experiencing and participating in JIIFF in a completely different way and from a different perspective than the rest of the audience."

Main Benefactors

Pfeffer Family

Three decades ago, the Pfeffers adopted José Ignacio as their family base in the region, and over time, this foundation became their home. Actively integrated into the José Ignacio community all year-round, they share their enthusiasm for generating ideas and the sensitivity to bring them to fruition. In 2021, they led the creation of the Benefactors, and in 2023, they championed and made possible the presence of JIIFF at the Cannes Film Festival aboard a boat representing not only our festival but also the Uruguayan delegation in Cannes. With immense joy, we once again celebrate the alliance with María and John Pfeffer.

“JIIFF is at the heart of the rich cultural life of our beloved town of José Ignacio and it is a beautiful moment to share each year with family, friends and neighbors. Do not miss it!”

Benefactors

Kofler Family

An immediate sense of belonging to José Ignacio. A love at first sight. These are the most exact words to describe the choice of the Kofler family for this place in the world, who came from Austria to lay their foundations as a family and as beacon for art, culture, design and architecture. From the opening of Posada Ayana to the inauguration of Ta Khut – James Turell’s first “Skyspace” in South America-, they feel more than excited to be able to share their work with the town of José Ignacio and all its visitors. In 2023, they welcome the listening experience created by Max Patissier for Ta Khut.

“JIIFF is where the most unexpected is projected on a screen under the stars of Jose Ignacio and the subsequent talks broaden horizons beyond what is visible.”

Benefactors

Sandra & Ricardo Torres

JIIFF Benefactors and sponsors of the Short Film Competition through Fundación Diciembre, Sandra and Ricardo Torres have been a loyal audiece, allies and friends for years. From Argentina thoughout the year, and from José Ignacio during the summer season, they follow and promote actions that respect the values of freedom, solidarity, equality and respect for diversity.

“The opportunity to share beautiful moments with friendly neighbors and an incredible group of young people who love the festival and the cinema… all this while helping the young Uruguayan creative industry show their work and grow. Hopefully we will see the 50th festival.”

Benefactors

Armando Bo y Luciana Marti

Buenos Aires, London, Los Angeles and José Ignacio, the not-so-secret spot in the southern part of the continent. During the summer season, this fishing town is the family retreat in the cosmopolitan agenda of the Argentine director, producer, and screenwriter Armando Bo, and the designer Luciana Marti. Two faithful audience members who’ve attended several editions of the José Ignacio International Film Festival and were also among the first allies to support ¡Corte!, our film lab for boys and girls, where we welcome their children every year.

“It is the best film festival in the world, and it's where I feel most comfortable. Great taste in the selection of films and its design is very creative. Watching good films in incredible locations with friends is unbeatable. Additionally, I feel that from my side, I can help it continue to grow and expand, always with a clear direction of where it wants to go.”

Benefactors

Englebienne Family

First, it was the cinema, then José Ignacio until finally, the two worlds of the Englebienne family converged at JIIFF. Guibert Englebienne grew up surrounded by cinema: his parents owned a video rental store and organized a short film festival in Mar del Plata. This passion was always shared with Alejandra and their daughters Sofía and Claire, who is currently studying film. Living through cinema and experiencing José Ignacio is the shared family activity, and now they add their participation as Benefactors of JIIFF.

“At JIIFF, you live José Ignacio and you live cinema, all together. Moreover, it's an initiative that brings the whole town together with a highlight: we don't confine ourselves to a cinema; we experience it outdoors, facing the sea. We really enjoy this opportunity to meet friends and acquaintances in such a unique and relaxed setting.”

Benefactors

Daniela Coll

José Ignacio means so much to Daniela Coll that she not only decided to make it the place where she would spend 30 years of her life but also took the initiative to plant the seed with the opening of La Esteña, the space where she shares her perspective on design and decoration. A cinephile, a native of Buenos Aires, a permanent resident of the town for years, Daniela has been dedicated to enjoying and learning about cinema from great masters. The journey between Buenos Aires and José Ignacio, between cinema and study, now brings her to JIIFF as a Benefactor of the 14th edition."

“The opportunity to support JIIFF in my place in the world is a privilege. A gift for me and for my children, and the immense joy of giving back to this town so much of what it has given us. I live it with immense gratitude.”

Join the Benefactors

Join the Benefactors

What does it mean to be part of the Benefactors group?

Main Benefactors

Pfeffer Family

Benefactors

Kofler Family

Benefactors

Sandra & Ricardo Torres

Benefactors

Armando Bo y Luciana Marti

Benefactors

Englebienne Family

Benefactors

Daniela Coll

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