''Visions of Mexico'' film series at LifePath Center
By Joseph Dispenza

Film series Visions of Mexico The Last Zapatistas, Forgotten Heroes Thurs, Sept 13, 7:30–(N)9:30pm LifePath Center Recreo 80 100 pesos

If you were born and raised in another country, what you understand about Mexico is colored by Mexican films and films about Mexico from other nations and cultural backgrounds.

This week, LifePath Center begins an 11-week series of film screenings, followed by discussions, that explore how Mexico’s cultural “soul” has been depicted in the movies.

Joseph Dispenza, spiritual counselor and LifePath co-founder, introduces each film to place it in its historical context, then leads the discussion afterwards. Dispenza, who has a master’s degree in cinema history, created a film school in Santa Fe, NM, which became the Moving Image Arts program at the College of Santa Fe.

“What we are trying to do is learn more about Mexican culture from the films that have been produced here,” Dispenza said in an interview recently. “Beyond that, we would like to explore how other countries have seen Mexico and its culture—(M)and to what extent those films have influenced our own views.”

Films in the series include the 1950 masterpiece by Luis Buñel, Los Olvidados (The Forgotten Ones), which is set in the slums of Mexico City and El Callejón de los Milagros (Miracle Alley), set in a Mexico City barrio almost half a century later. The latter has won more awards than any other film in Mexican history,

Hollywood’s version of Mexican culture is represented by two lavish musicals, Serenade, with Mario Lanza, filmed in part here in San Miguel in the mid-1950s and Holiday in Mexico (1946), with Jane Powell and Jose Iturbe.

“In the discussions that follow the film screenings, we are aiming to shed some light on how our attitudes about Mexico and its people have been shaped by what we have seen on the silver screen,” Dispenza said.

The intimate Argentine film Yo, la peor de todas (I, the Worst of All), 1990, is the story of the remarkable 17th Century Mexican poet and playwright Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (her face is on the 200-peso bill). Emperor Maximilian and his hapless wife Carlota show up in Juárez (1939), which is Mexican history as seen through the lens of the American studio system.

“Our goal is to provide San Miguel residents who are interested in personal growth the opportunity to understand the soul of Mexican culture from cinematic artifacts,” Dispenza said. 


The series, which includes a rare print of the first sound film made in Mexico, Santa (1932) continues until November 15. 

A complete list of the films in the series is available on LifePath Center’s website: www.lifepathretreats.com. 



· September 13: The Last Zapatistas, Forgotten Heroes, Los Últimos Zapatistas (2002), enthralling interviews with the twelve survivors of Zapata's army

· September 20: Los Olvidados (1950), Luis Buñuel's classic of lost youth, set in Mexico City more than half a century ago

· September 27: Amores Perros (2000), a slice of Mexico City life today 

· October 4: El Callejón de los Milagros (Miracle Alley, 1995) more awards than any Mexican film in history 

· October 11: Serenade (1956), Mario Lanza, filmed in part in San Miguel de Allende in the 1950s

· October 19: Santa (1932), Lupita Tovar, the first sound film made in Mexico

· October 25: El Padrecito (1964), Cantinflas as a parish priest bridging the gap between church and people

· November 1: Holiday in Mexico (1946), Jane Powell, Jose Iturbe, lavish Hollywood musical 

· November 8: Yo, la peor de todas (I, the Worst of All, 1990), from Argentina, the story of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

· November 15: Juárez (1939), Warner Bros. foreign policy—(M)Paul Muni as Benito Juárez, Bette Davis as the Empress Carlota 

CINEMATECA

José Luis Pick’n’tip:

The Picks:

The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED

As Davis MacMath wrote “What do you get with a room full of millionaires and brilliant people from all over the world given 18 minutes each to explain how to Change the World? You get an awesome 4 days in Monterey! This documentary on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference will open your mind, your heart, and get you feeling like you too can Change the World.” This movie, an inspiring celebration of ideas and passion, is a shocking glimpse into the future, a drop of fresh water, a hope that we all need, even though, that sometimes the future looks dark and blurry, it is refreshing to know that there are some brilliant minds working hard to make it a better world.


The Tip:

Important:

In order to provide the best viewing experience, the show times for some movies may be adjusted to accommodate their length. Be sure to check the schedule carefully. I also want to remind you of our new ticket price: 50 pesos and discount cards buy 12 shows for 450 pesos.

Starting Monday, after 11am, buy your tickets in advance for any movie or show of the week. If you have a discount card, collect your pass to secure a seat; don’t take the risk of being locked out…Nos vemos en el Cine…

Would you like to receive this info by email? Write to Jose Luis at alephamour@hotmail.com. 

Thank you.



The Movies:

The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED (2007)
Monday, September 10 at 5 pm
Wednesday, September 12 at 7 pm
Thursday, September 13 at 12 am
Technology-Documentary, English, 74 minutes
Director: Daphne Zuniga, Steven Latham
Cast: Al Gore, Daphne Zuniga, Majora Carter, Peter Gabriel, Matt Groenig
Hailed "the hottest gathering in the world" by Wired magazine, TED (Technology Entertainment Design) is an annual event where an eclectic group of brilliant minds exchange bold ideas for the future. Actress Daphne Zuniga is your host on this all-access tour of the conference. Guests include former Vice President Al Gore, musician Peter Gabriel, environmentalist Majora Carter, as well as comedians, authors and innovators from around the world.




Gadjo Dilo (The Crazy Stranger, 1997)
Wednesday, September 12 at 5 pm
Thursday, September 20 at 5 pm
Eastern Europe Foreign Dramas, Romany with English subtitles, 100 minutes
Director: Tony Gatlif
Cast: Romain Duris, Rona Hartner, Izidor Serban
In director Tony Gatlif's award-winning 1998 film, a young French man travels to Romania in search of his recently deceased father's favorite singer, a legendary Gypsy vocalist. In hopes of tracking her down and recording her music, he ingratiates himself with the local Gypsy community. Initially suspicious of the stranger, the villagers gradually come to accept him. He, in turn, soon falls in love with one of them, a beautiful, spirited dancer.



The Bird People in China (1998)
Friday, September 14 at 5 pm
Tuesday, September 18 at 5 pm
Wednesday, September 19 at7 pm
Japanese Foreign Dramas, Japanese with English subtitles, 118 minutes
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast: Masahiro Motoki, Renji Ishibashi. 
A lyrical, visually stunning work that deviates considerably from Takashi Miike's signature gore fests, Bird People in China explores many of his unifying themes; these include that of outsiders in pursuit of happiness in a foreign land, and a complex and unlikely relationship, played out this time between a mobster and a quiet businessman.



Kids Movies: Vintage Cartoons
Movie Theater closed for holiday


Musical Saturdays:
Will resume in Winter.