10 · 21 · 26

Carlos Reygadas Celebrated the 21th Anniversary of BATTLE IN HEAVEN at the 24th FICM

Alan Rodríguez

Mexican director Carlos Reygadas re-released his second feature film, Battle in Heaven (2005), as part of the activities of the 24th edition of the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM).

The film, which is now 21 years old, was introduced by Reygadas himself, alongside Daniela Michel, founder and general director of FICM, and film critic Jorge Negrete.

“It’s a very special night. I haven’t watched the film since then because it’s very difficult for me, but seeing all of you here and being surrounded by very important people at this moment makes me very happy,” the director said.

Among those in the audience were Amat Escalante, Daniela Schneider, Pedro Aguilera, and Fiorella Moretti, all of whom Reygadas thanked personally.

Daniela Michel recalled the premiere of this film at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or, and how important it is for Mexican cinema.

Before opening the screening, Negrete highlighted Reygadas's ability to portray different perceptions of Mexico and how impressive it is that, twenty-one years after the film's release, the same battles are still being fought: "I think there are few filmmakers who can do it and not only that, but to make them collide."

Battle in Heaven tells the story of Marcos and his wife, who kidnap a baby to demand a ransom; however, the child dies. Tormented by guilt, Marcos confesses to Ana—the daughter of the general for whom he works—who engages in sex work for her own pleasure. In his agonizing search for relief, Marcos joins a multitude of believers on a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.