London’s MexFest is billed as a showcase to promote the ‘best of contemporary Mexican culture’, and judging by the line-up of films on offer for this short season (11th – 14th July), those interested in the country’s diverse cinematic offerings will be more than adequately catered for.
Debuting at last year’s Tribecca Film Festival, the opening night feature is the Abbie Cornish-headlining, immigrant-crossing drama, The Girl. One of Mexico’s brightest young talents (alongside collaborator and best friend Gael García Bernal) Diego Luna is visiting with his directorial debut Chávez, a biopic about the boxer Julio Cesar Chávez.
As Mexican food continues to grow ever more popular in our capital, documentary Para Abrir Boca: A Gastronomic Tour, which delves into the recipes and ingredients of the country’s traditional cuisine, is a must for all foodies. Another film to look out for is Irish filmmaker and critic Mark Cousins’ What Is This Film Called Love? Filmed over three days for just £10, it’s a passionate and poetic trawl through Mexico City.
Elsewhere throughout the four days, a mix of old and new can be found. The short film programmes scheduled showcase future filmmaking talents from Mexico’s three main film schools (and beyond), while a screening of famed surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel’s 1950’s feature The Young and the Damned on Sunday afternoon.
Film screenings and special events will be held throughout the city at Bethnal Green’s Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, BFI Southbank and Canary Wharf (where Mexican street food restaurant Wahaca will be setting up an outdoor cinema).
Check out the Mexfest website for screening and ticket information.
