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"Cinema for all. Power as a Tool to Promote Diversity” by UNDP at the 22nd FICM

Alan Rodríguez

In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the 22nd edition of the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) held the discussion "Cinema for Everyone. Power as a tool to promote diversity," featuring the participation of Alana Simoes, Liliana K’an, and Salvador Martínez.

The UNDP is the global United Nations organization dedicated to ending the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. It is present in 170 countries and territories. The collaboration with Mexico has been ongoing for over 50 years, with their first agreement was signed in 1961.

During the conversation, the guests addressed topics such as the universal language of cinematic art, the challenges that exist in the distribution and exhibition of film in the country, and power as a driving force in the realization of their projects.

Alana Simoes, director of La falla, highlighted the importance of creating diverse spaces: "We face large corporations, platforms where there is homogenization in content; some projects only manage to find spaces in festivals," she added.

La falla tells the story of Celeste, a teacher who is transferred to another school and who, along with her elementary school students, experiences a month filled with movement, changes, and revelations within the classroom in a town in Jalisco, Mexico.

Liliana K’an, originally from San Juan Chamula, presented in Tsotsil and spoke about the importance of topics such as migration, language preservation, and the struggle for territory in her work: “I try to address issues that concern us all.” Her film, Vientre de luna, portrays the story of a young Tsotsil woman in a small place in Los Altos de Chiapas, who discovers motherhood from her worldview.

"In some cases, there is a prejudice that prevents projects in indigenous languages from obtaining the necessary support and space," added director Liliana K’an.

Salvador Martínez, director of Tzofo, mentioned: "Making cinema becomes a very noble activity because it gives viewers the opportunity to reflect on topics that, on many occasions, could go unnoticed." 

Tzofo tells the story of Juliana, an Otomi countrywoman and cook who, amidst inner battles, achieves one of the best harvests of her life.

Lorenzo Jiménez, UNDP representative, and Daniela Michel, founder and general director of the festival, expressed their gratitude for the discussion before opening the floor to audience questions. Cine para todxs is a FICM program screening Mexican films that have been part of any edition of the festival in community spaces.

La falla, Vientre de luna and Tzofo are part of the official selection of the 22nd FICM.