Throughout the years, now-classic films have given audiences enjoyable experiences from start to finish—but not all of those classic movies were made in the United States.
The Pima County Public Library and the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson are partnering up to show classic Mexican films through September. "Cine en tu Barrio—A Mexican Film Fiesta" actually started back in May, and by the time the series concludes, 25 films will have been screened.
Ingrid Trebisky, supervisor at the Woods Memorial Branch Library (3455 N. First Ave.), said that the idea for the festival first came up while the library was doing planning for another special event.
"We first found out about this when we were planning events for the Tucson Festival of Books. We invited a bunch of community groups to the meeting, and the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson happened to be attending the meeting," Trebisky said. "They informed us that they had access to a series of classic Mexican films, and we thought it would be a good idea to showcase these films."
Trebisky was extremely interested in showing the films, so she began contacting other library branches.
"Each branch library has their own choice about which films will be shown," Trebisky said. "What I did was forward the information that I gained from the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson to all of the Pima County Public Library branches."
Trebisky believes audiences will enjoy each film, in part because of the rich Mexican history that each movie offers.
"A lot of the movies are older, dating back to the '40s and '50s, and showing how interesting life was during that time," Trebisky said. "All the films have English subtitles, and it is a nice feeling to be able to see the history and culture of Mexico displayed on these films. It's extremely rewarding to show these films, because we are able to give the audience a ride back in time."
One film that especially struck Trebisky was Flor Silvestre, which the Woods Branch showed back in May. The 1943 film is about the son of a rich landowner who secretly marries a beautiful girl from humble origins. His father is displeased, but the couple lives a life full of love—until a pair of ruffians disguised as revolutionaries kidnap the man's wife and son.
"Flor Silvestre was the first film that I saw when choosing what movies to show, and I really enjoyed it the most. ... I was blown away by the amazing cinematography that the film offers," Trebisky said. "The film also gives an insight toward the cultural history of Mexico, and shows a glimpse of how life was during that time period."
Trebisky said she's been pleased by the turnout for the films, and hopes that this will not be the last time that the library sponsors such an event.
"The Pima County Public Library has another film series coming up, called "Now Showing at Your Library," which is a partnership with PBS, but I would love to do the 'Cine en tu Barrio—A Mexican Film Fiesta' again," Trebisky said.
The next movie being shown in the series takes place at 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 16, at the Himmel Park Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave. The film—starring Mexican icon El Santo—is Santo en el Museo de Cera (1963). The plot, according to the library website: "Three people have disappeared after visiting the wax museum, the last of them the photographer Susana. The police force is mobilized, and the museum's director asks for Santo's help."
