10 · 15 · 06 The Morelia International Film Festival Honors Horror Film Director Fernando Méndez Share with twitter Share with facebook Share with mail Copy to clipboard Doris Morales Méndez built an extraordinary career in Mexico during the 1940’s and 50’s that left an important mark on the country’s cultural map. His interest in film can be traced back to his uncles, local film pioneers Pedro and Francisco García Urbizu, who were instrumental in establishing Michoacan’s cinema industry. Méndez’s oldest son expressed his delight at the honor, and said he was very excited at seeing his father’s worked on the big screen once again. The tribute begins with a special screening of El Suavecito, considered by many critics a classic. Shot in 16mm, the film premiered in 1950, the year that also saw the release of Luis Buñuel’s Los olvidados. Fernando Méndez enjoyed a prolilfic career as scriptwriter, makup artist, sound engineer, producer, and director. He was involved in more than 30 films that cover a wide range of genres, including comedy, westerns and horror. Méndez’s Había una vez un marido, Sí mi vida and As negro will also be featured at the festival.
