Hola Mexico Film Festival 2008
November 11th 2008 23:07
This is a festival that I've had my eye on last year, as Mexican directors step up and gain recognition as some of the most talented filmmakers. Guillermo Del Toro, for example, has thrilled horror fans with his realization of "Hellboy" and "Cronos", but came to prominence when "Pan's Labyrinth" wowed audiences all over the globe. He'll be directing the upcoming adaptation of "The Hobbit" which means that Hollywood studios are placing great faith in del Toro.
"Blood of my Blood (Sangre de mi sangre)" is this year's opening night film, and it looks like a terrific event. The film was awarded at Sundance, and has found attention in the States, but it's in Sydney, where the film will be followed by a mariachi band and tacos, will the spirit of Mexico feel alive.
I've only been to Mexico once, and, sadly, it was when I was younger and stuck at a resort, along with packs of braying Canadians, desperately trying to tan. Even back then, however, I struck out for adventure, hearing rumours of a restaurant run by a local fisherman. Whatever he caught that day - that's what you were served.
It was exquisite - lobsters and octopus were the order of the day, and we washed it all down with bottles of beer, cramped into the tiny dining area, the fisherman watching us from the kitchen, a glimmer in his eye. After that, the resort felt hollow and futile, as if a piece of Canada was transported to these sandy shores, to take advantage of the weather.
I've never been back, and it's always been a point of contention for myself... Mexican cinema manages to capture that sense of vitality and spirit that seems to drench every street and corner, and the Hola Mexico Film Festival promises to be an extraordinary event!
The Hola Mexico Film Festival will take place at Dendy Newtown and Opera Quays from Nov. 25 to Dec. 7 in Sydney.
*this image is from the NYTimes review of "Blood of my blood"
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