Emerson College Celebrates 16 Years of Cultural Diplomacy at Rosarito Film Festival

Emerson community members, artists, and others from across the globe gathered on July 25 in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Rediscover Rosarito Public Diplomacy and Film Festival—a project that has united the community through art, culture, and storytelling.

Launched in 2009, Rediscover Rosarito has drawn hundreds of students from several countries and institutions, including Emerson College and Emerson’s partner school Blanquerna University in Barcelona. Its mission is simple: Use art, food, and film to foster cultural understanding and build lasting relationships across borders.

The Rediscover Rosarito Film Festival has become the cornerstone of that mission, showcasing collaborative works from students in Mexico and Emerson, alongside peers from Turkmenistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and China.

This year’s celebration welcomed two of the festival’s three founding directors — Markuz Delgado of Rosarito Beach and Communication Studies Executive-in-Residence Mark Brodie — who reflected on how the program has flourished during politically divided times. Founding festival director Michael McManus ’08 was unable to attend, but sent special greetings to attendees.

Rosarito Beach artist David Silvah, who previously taught art diplomacy at Emerson College and Blanquerna in Barcelona, and whose paintings have been exhibited across the U.S. and Europe, joined the festivities and spoke about the program’s impact.

“It’s always exciting to have Emersonians working with local students, including my own children, and the community, to find ways we can work together,” Silvah said. “Art has the power to bring people together, and I always treasure my time with Emersonians.”

From the beginning, Rediscover Rosarito has been led by Communication Studies Associate Professor and Chair Greg Payne, who launched the effort alongside his sister, Janice Payne, founding internship coordinator for Emerson’s LA program; Rosarito’s then-Mayor Hugo Torres; and international PR professional Ron Raposa. Over the years, the project has been recognized by the International Academy of Business Disciplines, the city of Rosarito, and the governor of Baja California for its contributions to cultural diplomacy and tourism.