Bewitched by Movies
by Daniel Romero
“Bewitched” is probably the first mediumfootage film that has been done in San Miguel in
over 70 years. Certainly, in this town where artistic activity flows with the force of a volcano,
there have been other film productions, including many documentaries, but not a medium-footage fiction film. However, even here, where artists grow, and one who is not an artist lives in the art of the others, the production of a film, with the intense ambitions of actors and technical staff all sanmiguelense by birth or residence, marks a milestone.
Filmmaking is a task full of obstacles that begin with the need for money and continue with
the demands of technical nature. The production of any art (except poetry) takes money. One
needs to buy brushes and paint or clay or dance slippers or musical instruments or… In
filmmaking, cameras, lights, audio recorders and instruments require a particularly costly
investment.
Our sanmiguelense group had only the basic equipment. But we also had the will and and
intuition to improvise solutions to every situation that arose. This short film, lasting just one
hour, was made with pride and the combined efforts of actors and technicians.
The story of “Bewitched” chronicles the ups and downs of a young woman, who roams
between dreams and nightmares, between the faith of her beliefs and the influence of a
girlfriend of liberal sentiments. Heartaches of her fears are rooted in the wake of her sexual
needs. Susana Garcia performs all those feelings with the professionalism of her acting
experience. Pepe Pimentel, the wellknown theater actor who starred in the short film “Sleight
of Hands,” is a scoundrel with delusions of gallant and well defined purposes, hunting good-
looking señoritas. Rosaura Candanedo portrays the dark powers of witchcraft. Her services
recommend a spell that will “Bewitch” Gualberto. The beloved actor Antonino del Valle
portrays good and evil with his considerable theatrical experience. Alcatraz Pineda in her
debut as an actress displays with her attractive figure and her mischievous wit the choices of
naive Cleotilde. Rounding out the cast are the actresses Ivette Pizarro and multifaceted Holly
Harrison. The script and direction is Al Tirado. The photography was, as in Sleight of Hands,
by Carlos Pérez and Hilario “Layon” Garcia, and as assistant director, Rodrigo Demian. The
audio editing was created by Barry Weiss.
“Bewitched” opens with the heavenly sound of trumpets and imaginary red carpets at 7pm,
June 10, the Miguel Malo Auditorium of the Cultural Center El Nigromante de Bellas Artes.
Admission is free.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW9DGQstaoo
