10 · 24 · 18

Special Screening of Mexican Spitfire Presented at the 16th FICM

Juan Roilan Salgado Z.

With the presence of Daniela Michel, founder and general director of the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), in the company of John Bailey, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the United States, Gregory Nava, filmmaker, and Carol Littleton, film editor, presented the special screening of the film starring Lupe Vélez, Mexican Spitfire (1940, dir. Leslie Goodwins), at the 16th edition of FICM.

The film is part of the special program dedicated to the three Mexican actresses who left their mark in Hollywood, curated in collaboration with the Academy of Arts and Cinematographic Sciences of the United States.

Before the show, an armchair in honor of Gregory Nava was unveiled. In Daniela Michel's words, "[Gregory Nava] has done a lot to strengthen the bond between the festival, and Mexico in general, with the Academy, for which we are deeply grateful. You've had a wonderful initiative, you have worked hard to achieve this alliance that is so beneficial for the country."

"It is a pleasure and an honor to work with you, I speak for the Academy and the entire Hispanic community in the United States, because the United States is also part of Latin America, since 54% of the population of Los Angeles is Latino," Gregory Nava added to later wrap Daniela Michel into a long hug.

Later, Nava spoke about the relevance of Lupe Vélez's work for Mexican and US cinema, the only Latina actress who has had eight consecutive starring roles in the North American film industry, which were successful at the time.

Mexican Spitfire tells the story of Dennis and Carmelita, a newlywed couple who have to deal with various obstacles in their new marriage: Carmelita's fiery Latin temperament, a meticulous aunt and an ex-girlfriend determined to do anything to break their marriage.