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Academic Forum: Pioneering Mexican Female Screenwriters at the 23rd FICM

Alan Rodríguez

As part of the activities of the 23rd Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), the Academic Forum: Pioneering Mexican Female Screenwriters was held, featuring Diego Sheinbaum, researcher at the Centre for Poetics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico; Maricruz Castro, researcher at the Monterrey Institute of Technology, and Ana Cruz Navarro, screenwriter, producer, and director of cultural television.

At a discussion moderated by James Ramey, Academic and Strategic Advisor to the General Directorate of FICM, participants highlighted the importance of their ongoing research about pioneering women in the Mexican film industry.

Maricruz Castro emphasized that this project is not only about promoting the study of female screenwriters in Mexico, but also about sparking discussion and generating interest in debates around the crucial importance of screenwriting as the foundation for storytelling—and ensuring proper recognition for those who write them.

Ana Cruz Navarro highlighted the legacy of Mimí Derba, Mexico's first female screenwriter and director, who worked across all genres during the silent film era: "Mimí represents an entire generation of women who were erased from history during that period—women we're only now rediscovering. That's what interests me: achieving historical justice for these women."

The panel provided attendees with the names of pioneering female screenwriters from Mexico's sound film era covered by the research, including: Concha Méndez, Elvira de la Mora, Matilde Landeta, Josefina Vicens, Janet Alcoriza, Elena Garro, Yolanda Vargas, and Aurora Correa. They also recalled the first Indigenous Film Workshop held in San Mateo del Mar (1985).

The discussion concluded by emphasizing the importance of conducting this type of research, with unanimous agreement that it enhances our understanding of an industry that must not overlook the names of Mexican cinema's pioneering women.