Mexico was an important economic partner to the Philippines during the Spanish occupation, thanks to the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade which was a factor in inspiring the movement for independence from Spain. These days, very few Filipinos know much about Mexico, specifically its arts and culture.
This month, however, one event promises to provide a peek into the country’s rich arts scene.
Instituto Cervantes de Manila’s La Literatura en el Cine Mexicano (Literature in Mexican Cinema) is a month-long festival featuring movies based on the country’s literature.
The festival, which showcases films subtitled in English, started on Saturday with the screening of La Rosa Blanca, a film about a peasant who encounters problems when he refuses to sell his land to a powerful oil company.
Other classics will be screened on all remaining Saturdays of September at the Instituto Cervantes’ Casa de Azul office in Intramuros, Manila. The shows start at 6pm and admission is free.
Los Albañiles by Jorge Fons (Sept.8)
A watchman is found dead at a building site and becomes the catalyst for an investigation which will unveil neglect, politics, and widespread corruption. The movie was based on the novel written by Vicente Leñero.
Doña Bárbara by Fernando de Fuentes (Sept. 15)
Based on Rómulo Gallegos’ novel, this romantic drama is set in Caracas, Venezuela. It tells of the titular character who, after a questionable past, becomes a wealthy landowner. Doña Bárbara meets a young lawyer who returns to Caracas to take back his property, only to discover that she now controls his land. Bárbara falls for him and will do anything to make him hers.
Santa by Antonio Moreno (Sept. 22)
Considered to be Mexico’s first talkie, this melodrama was based on the novel written by Federico Gamboa. It tells of an innocent Mexican girl who falls for a soldier then marries him against her family’s wishes.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the soldier abandons her. Overcome with shame, she turns to a life of prostitution.
Pedro Páramo by Carlos Velo (Sept. 29)
Based on the novel by Juan Rulfo, it tells of a young man named Juan Preciado who searches for his long-lost father, Pedro Páramo.
Which film do you want to see? Let us know in the comments section below or tweet us @CoconutsManila.
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