Film Cycle to celebrate Mexican Revolution at Instituto Cervantes de Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in the Philippines, celebrates the Mexican Revolution by showcasing classic Mexican films every Saturday for the whole month of September.

Titled “México: Cine y revolución,” this special eight-film line-up is an extraordinary showcase of Mexico’s cinematic discovery and innovation after the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1917, a historic event that largely contributed to the development of its cinema. All screenings (in Spanish with English subtitles) will be held at Instituto Cervantes ’ Salon de Actos every Saturday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

“México: Cine y revolución” opens on Sept. 4, 4p.m., with Fernando Fuentes’ Vámonos con Pancho Villa (Let’s go with Pancho Villa). Shot in 1936, this film is set to a backdrop of the revolution that swept the country. Also showing that weekend, at 6 p.m., is Fernando Fuentes’ El prisionero 13 (Prisoner 13).

Screening on Sept. 11, 4 p.m., is El compadre Mendoza (Godfather Mendoza), a 1934 satire that examines the lengths to which the ambitious landowner Rosalio Mendoza will go in order to appease both the government and the revolutionaries. Showing afterwards, at 6 p.m., is De todos modos Juan te llamas (The General’s Daughter), a movie that deals with the family conflicts of a very macho governmental general which are in turn paired with the fight of the “cristeros” who, besides being religious fanatics, are peasants who fight for their rights.

On Sept. 18, 4 p.m., Raul Kamffer’s Ora sí, tenemos que ganar (Pray we have to win) will be shown while Matilde Landeta’s La negra Angustias (The Black Angustias) screens at 6 p.m.

And to conclude the film cycle, on Sept. 25, 4 p.m., Instituto Cervantes de Manila is screening Frida, naturaleza viva (Frida, Living Nature), a film based on the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Narrated in a poetic and rich in imagery, this movie shows scenes from her childhood to her death. Her relationship with her father, her husband, her sister Cristina, her bisexual relationships, among others, will also be depicted. Directed by Paul Leduc in 1986, this movie is believed to be the best film rendition documenting the life of the Mexican artist.

Paul Leduc’s 1973 film, Reed: México insurgente (Reed: Insurgent Mexico) screens at 6 p.m.

“México: Cine y revolución” is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy, the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, and Spanish Agency International Cooperation for Development (AECID).

Admission to all the screenings is free on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call 526-1482 or visit http://manila.cervantes.es. Instituto Cervantes de Manila is at 855 T.M. Kalaw St. , Ermita, Manila.