Marina Stavenhagen, the director of the National Cinematheque in Mexico, has confirmed that the demands of the employees, who recently staged a symbolic strike to protest their poor working conditions, are being reviewed by the authorities. This follows a weekend protest where workers highlighted dire issues such as stagnant wages, delayed payments, lack of adequate safety equipment, and excessive workloads amidst declining public cultural budgets. The National Cinematheque, a cultural icon in Mexico and pivotal for cinematic preservation since its inception in 1974, is now facing one of the most severe labor crises in its history.

The workers' demonstration on February 14, which temporarily halted projections at the Cinematheque, is seen as the culmination of years of pent-up frustrations within an institution that serves as a cornerstone for film culture in Mexico. The staff's grievances are not merely about immediate monetary compensations; they reflect deeper systemic issues affecting the cultural sector as a whole. With public investment in culture decreasing, many cultural institutions like the Cinematheque are struggling to maintain adequate working conditions, further exacerbating employee dissatisfaction.

Stavenhagen's acknowledgment of the negotiations signals a potentially critical turning point for the National Cinematheque, as resolving these issues is vital for both maintaining employee morale and ensuring the institution's mission to uphold Mexico's cinematic heritage. As discussions progress, the outcome will not only affect the workers but will also have implications for the future health of cultural institutions across the nation, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of public funding for the arts.