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Eva Bodenstedt Presented SALT OF THE EARTH by Herbert Biberman at the 24th FICM

Alan Rodríguez

As part of the screenings that make up the Mexico Imaginario program at the 24th edition of the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), the screening of Salt of the Earth (1954), by the American director Herbert J. Biberman, took place.

The screening was attended by Daniela Michel, founder and general director of FICM; Imogen Sara Smith, historian and curator of Mexico Imaginario; and Eva Bodenstedt, granddaughter of the actress and star of this film, Rosaura Revueltas.

Before the screening began, the festival director took the microphone to pay tribute to the late French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier—a friend of the festival and the person credited with conceiving this specific program, which has been a recurring feature at the festival for several years.

“[Tavernier] proposed this section, which showcases works by foreign filmmakers that reflect their vision of Mexico—whether that vision is accurate, exaggerated, misguided, or stylized. Many directors have been fascinated by Mexico, including John Huston, Sergei Eisenstein, Sam Peckinpah, and Orson Welles,” Michel remarked.

Imogen Smith was excited to present this film in Morelia alongside Eva Bodenstedt and in front of a full house. She discussed the political context in which the film was made, noting that some of the crew were among those known as the "Hollywood Ten": "It was created by three men who were on this 'blacklist'—a list of individuals associated with communism who were penalized for their leftist leanings. Unable to work within the Hollywood studio system, they decided to make an independent film about a strike by Mexican-American workers," she added.

Salt of the Earth is based on a true story and follows the story of some New Mexico miners who go on strike after a series of incidents, so they wage a tough and bitter battle in which they will receive the support of their women.

Imogen Smith further highlighted that the film carries a strong feminist message, in which "the voices and concerns of women are of vital importance," emphasizing that they must be an integral part of the labor movement.

Regarding the film’s production and the contribution of Mexican actress Rosaura Revueltas, Eva Bodenstedt told the audience that her grandmother chose to participate in a project that would be both significant and enduring in the history of cinema: "Thanks to Rosaura, Herbert Biberman was truly able to direct this group of men and women—none of whom were professional actors. She not only played the role of Esperanza Quintero, but she was also a pillar of the entire production."

This year, FICM's México Imaginario program is also presenting The Outlaw (1950) by Joseph Losey, Espaldas mojadas (1955) by Alejandro Galindo, and Alambrista! (1977) by Robert M. Young.