WASHINGTON, D.C.- At various times during the last century, the cinema of Mexico has been the leading national cinema of Latin America. From April 24 through July 25, 2004, The National Gallery of Art, Washington will present a film series of 26 historically significant feature films, in newly struck and subtitled theatrical prints. The series coincides with the exhibitions Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya and The Cubist Paintings of Diego Rivera: Memory, Politics, Place, creating a rich and varied presentation of Mexican art and culture at the Gallery. The films will be shown in the East Building Auditorium. 

The span of titles and subject matter in the film series is far-ranging, comprising a concise yet comprehensive survey of Mexico’s distinctive achievements--from Fernando Fuentes’ 1933 classic El compadre Mendoza, set during the Mexican Revolution, to Arturo Ripstein’s epic family saga Principio y Fin from 1993. Of particular interest are the nuanced light and shading of cameraman Gabriel Figueroa, evident in several films of the 1940s and 1950s including Los Olvidados (1950), a masterpiece of director Luis Buñuel’s Mexican period. The beautifully orchestrated compositions of director Emilio Fernandez are another series highlight, as are the varied adaptations of literary works such as Roberto Gavaldón’s film Macario (1959), based on a story by B. Traven, or Juan Perez Jolote (1973), adapted from the novel by Ricardo Pozas. Numerous post-screening discussions will provide context and expand critical appreciation of Mexico’s vast and complex film culture.  

This program is made possible with the support of Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Relations, the Council for Arts and Culture, the Mexican Film Institute and the Instituto de México.