Discover 'Raíces' (1953) by Benito Alazraki: An Independent Mexican Cinema Screening

This event showcases Benito Alazraki's 1953 film 'Raíces' as part of the 'Antes de América en la gran pantalla' cycle. The film is noted for its independent production and its approach to indigenous communities in contemporary Mexico, reflecting influences from Italian neorealism and Spanish documentary filmmaking.

Screened as part of the 'Antes de América en la gran pantalla. Fuentes originarias y modernidad cinematográfica' cycle, 'Raíces' (1953) by Benito Alazraki stands as an early independent production that engaged with indigenous communities in contemporary Mexico. At a time when the Mexican film industry often represented indigenous peoples through paternalism or picturesque celebration, 'Raíces' approached these themes with a focus on discrimination and hardship. Recent scholarship suggests a significant contribution from the exiled Spanish filmmaker Carlos Velo Cobelas, whose experience in pre-war Spain's social documentary filmmaking influenced the film's humanistic approach. Benito Alazraki's choice to cast non-professional actors further indicates an influence from Italian neorealism and a departure from the mainstream Mexican film industry's conventions. The film's narrative is inspired by stories from Francisco Rojas González, and its evocative soundtrack features music by prominent composers like Silvestre Revueltas and José Pablo Moncayo. The promotional poster was designed by another Spanish exile, Josep Renau.