10 · 02 · 23

Cine para todxs 2023: Meet the Teatro Mariano Matamoros in Morelia

Regarded as a historic monument, the Teatro Mariano Matamoros is one of the more representative cultural spaces in the city of Morelia, Michoacán, where different cultural activities such as stage productions, shows and concerts are held. It is also part of the Cine para todxs 2023 program, an initiative launched by the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) for the promotion of the work and talent of Mexican filmmakers.

Located in the heart of the historic center of the city of Morelia, Michoacán, the Teatro Mariano Matamoros is a multifunctional place that holds stage productions, shows, concerts, film screenings, and international festivals, as well as a broad spectrum of other cultural-artistic activities, with the purpose of offering a world class artistic schedule, thus making it a gathering spot among the society and the arts, in line with Morelia's vocation as a World Cultural Heritage City.

This space is the outcome of the restoration of an old movie theater that operated during the 50's, and a large house from the 13th century, both of them framed by a portal, listed as a Historic Monument. From the beginning this space has been endorsed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

In this interview with Sonia Mejía, responsible for the Teatro Mariano Matamoros, she tells us about how the audience has responded to these cultural spaces.

FICM: How do you encourage the development of audiences?

Sonia Mejía: Through a diverse program that spans through different genres, in order to provide options for different audiences, from children to seniors.

FICM: How has the reception been? 

SM: The reception has been really good, each day we have more audiences coming to the Teatro Mariano Matamoros to attend a screening that appeals to them.

FICM: Do you consider that the work done through your spaces has changed or had a positive influence on your community?

SM: We think so because we bring the community of Morelia and its surroundings closer to different types of the cultural sector.

FICM: How can one start a space like this one and what are the most significant lessons that you learned at the beginning?

SM: We have learned that in diversity lies mid-term success, and that it doesn’t matter that the titles are from past years, because we follow the people's nostalgia for the past. The challenge has been to reach the same community that sometimes sees that venue as something inaccessible.

FICM: What has been your tangible experience in the creation of new audiences?

SM: Our experience has been to include in our program the screening of films within the other events held at the Teatro Mariano Matamoros, since the venue is not only designed to screen films, but also to have concerts, and scenic arts presentations.