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No son horas de olvidar by David Castañón was presented at the 18th FICM

Ximena Cuevas

The documentary No son horas de olvidar (2020), directed by David Castañón Medina, is part of the Mexican Documentary Section in this edition of the 18th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM).

The documentary arises from the director's interest in knowing how people with Alzheimer's live, and from his research in care centers. It was thanks to time that a relationship of trust was established between the director and the characters. In about 8 years, he got to know the different stages of their lives and the different changes they faced.

"My responsibility was to keep them believing in the work, in the project and in me," David explained.

The characters' memory suffered two crises: one when they left their place of origin, their family and roots, and a second one with the arrival of dementia. Two ways of losing one's identity that influenced the development of these premises.

"It was very hard for Jorge to assimilate that a person who had been very bright, who had also been a teacher, who was dedicated to teaching, would have lost everything," said the director, describing how the lives of Juana and Jorge changed after their separation.

Producer Ángel Linares talked about the bond he created with the characters based on the personal similarities he identified in them. The film also addresses the complications that might exist in an elderly couple, which at the same time reflects unconditional love.

The filmmaker also suggested, "There is always this ethical question of the documentary maker, as to what we get from our characters and where we are going."

No son horas de olvidar will be available for 24 hours at Cinépolis KLIC from 8:30 p.m.