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Excellent Response to Classic Mexican Cinema in Bologna

The program of classic Mexican cinema curated by the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) had a magnificent response in the XXXI edition of Il Cinema Ritrovato, a festival specialized in films of great historical value that takes place in Bologna, Italy. This exhibition was made possible thanks to the FICM’s effort, in collaboration with Filmoteca UNAM and Cineteca National.

The program Revolution and Adventure: Mexican Cinema in the Golden Age, consisted of eight films, beginning with the birth of sound cinema in the early 30s and including a variety of styles and genres from the 40s and 50s, until the early 60s. In addition, as part of the section A Hundred Years Ago, Il Cinema Ritrovato presented Tepeyac (1917) by José Manuel Ramos, Carlos E. González and Fernando Sáyago.

Olivia Harrison, Daniela Michel. Olivia Harrison, Daniela Michel.

On Wednesday, June 26, Daniela Michel presented Roberto Gavaldón's Soledad´s Shawl (1952), courtesy of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Producción Cinematográfica (Cinematographic Production Workers' Union). The screening was attended by Pierre Rissient, one of the most important figures in the film industry and a Special Guest of FICM in 2014, 2015, and 2016. In her presentation speech, Daniela Michel stressed: "This film is a celebration of Mexican values, especially indigenous culture, and a consideration of the widening gap between urban and rural spaces. It is also a harsh criticism of the violence and corruption that the Revolution left behind in poor and rural areas".

Finally, on Thursday, June 27, FICM's director presented Julio Bracho's Historia de un gran amor (1942) courtesy of Televisa. Daniela Michel started the presentation explaining that Julio Bracho, along with Emilio Fernández and Roberto Gavaldón, is one of the most important directors of Mexican cinema. She added, "this film stands out thanks to the incredible performances of some of the greatest stars of the Golden Age, Gloria Marín and Jorge Negrete. Because of the magnificent photography of Gabriel Figueroa and the work of two great Mexican composers, Manuel Esperón and Miguel Bernal Jiménez.

For more details on the Mexican cinema program that was presented at Il Cinema Ritrovato, click here.

We appreciate the collaboration of the companies and organizations that generously authorized the exhibition of their films.