As an ardent admirer of powerful storytelling that resonates deeply with real-life experiences, I am utterly captivated by César Diaz’s latest masterpiece, “Mexico 86.” The film, brimming with authenticity and emotional depth, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of activists who dare to challenge unjust regimes.
Born in Guatemala, film director César Diaz – who won the Camera d’Or in 2019 for “Our Mothers” – draws upon his personal history to offer a raw and sincere portrayal of an activist’s emotional turmoil in his new work, titled “Mexico 86.”
On August 10th, I found myself humbled before the grand screen at Piazza Grande, Locarno. The movie that unfolded told a compelling story about Maria, a resident revolutionary, brilliantly portrayed by the Academy Award-nominated actress Bérénice Béjo, known for her role in “The Artist”.
International French sales are managed by Bac Films, who also hold the international rights for both Bac and Goodfellas. The distribution in the Benelux region is assigned to O’Brother, while Swiss sales are taken care of by Xenix Film.
The project is jointly produced by Need Productions from Belgium, Tripode Productions based in France, and several other co-producers including Pimienta, Menuetto, France TV, RTBF, Voo & Be TV, Proximus, and Shelter Prod. Additionally, it has associate production credits from YK Well Enterprise and Yukunkun.
The story honors Maria’s journey, starting from her defiance of an unfair government, leading to her life in exile in Mexico, where she grapples with the heavy price of her courage. This narrative salutes those who dare to strive for a better tomorrow, even when personal losses are imminent. The tale also delves into Maria’s complex bond with her displaced teenage son, Marco (Matheo Labbé).
Born in Buenos Aires, yet exiled from her homeland as a baby due to her parents’ decision to flee Argentina, the esteemed actress Béjo – who has won both César and Cannes awards – can deeply connect with the weighty themes portrayed in the script. Her experiences seem to suggest that the narrative opens up discussions about the fundamental values driving such courageous resistance.
“Growing up with an Argentine family who had to flee due to a dictatorship allowed me to explore my character better and try to grasp things that my parents didn’t share with me. It’s tough to bring up these topics, but this movie has given me insight into our family history, secrets, and more. It inspired me to discuss the past with my family members. They didn’t share much, but what they did share helped me portray Maria, as I shared with EbMaster.”
Although Diaz doesn’t directly draw from his own life, he acknowledges that his childhood experiences share some similarities with Marco’s. To provide a more comprehensive depiction of individuals who prioritize activism above all else, he opted to write the script focusing on Maria’s perspective. This multi-layered approach allows viewers to develop complex feelings towards her character, ranging from contempt to admiration.
“He explained that if you see things from the child’s perspective, all she wants is for someone to be her mother. But that wasn’t something I desired. The challenge lies in the fact that she has multiple aspects, one of which is her militant side. This isn’t a shallow trait; it’s significant because it defines her purpose in life.”
Bejo, who is also a mother, struggled with the complex feelings the script unveiled, the almost unresolvable contradiction of nurturing maternal feelings while maintaining a humanity that surpasses them.
“Béjo pondered aloud about the tough choice one might face between prioritizing one’s child and standing up for democracy, freedom, and a better world. He acknowledged that there are individuals who think beyond their personal interests and possess a vision that transcends their immediate family or small circle. As for himself, he isn’t sure what he would choose if faced with such a decision today. However, he empathized with the character who is determined to secure a freer, more democratic future for her child.”
In the world of cinema, I find myself deeply immersed in a tale where the characters are constantly on edge, enveloped by a sense of unease that leaves them isolated from potential allies and those they hold dear. Maria emerges as an unrecognized champion, her significant contributions occurring behind the scenes, a role often attributed to male figures within the movement. This is yet another intriguing decision that distinguishes this project from others.
“What captures my attention is the variety of motherhood, the idealized image of the nurturing, protective figure. I found it intriguing to challenge this stereotype since mothers too deserve the freedom to leave their children in a secure environment and assert that they can still be mothers, not just the typical version of a mother, not the one you might expect. In the struggle for change, many fathers abandoned their roles without a second thought,” Diaz elaborated.
Title “Mexico ’86” portrays the life of a rebellious character, while simultaneously offering a heartfelt exploration of the complex relationship between Maria and her son, strained by her commitment to her cause. Every instance of tension is drawn out to convey the impact of her absence on them both, a wound that will never fully heal. The film captures pivotal moments in rapid succession, neither idealizing their lifestyle nor avoiding the pain it brings.
Diaz intentionally kept Maria and Marco apart prior to filming, creating an on-screen distance between them. He even considered having Labbé live with Béjo before shooting so they could bond, but instead chose to portray their connection as something fresh and new, which is evident in the scenes that were shot sequentially. This approach lends a tangible and authentic feeling of detachment between them on screen.
Ultimately, the movie focuses on a challenging struggle, which, despite its inconveniences, appears to be a battle worth the individual turmoil it brings.
“This movie mirrors contemporary challenges. It probes the sacrifices we make to change our environment and the extent of our dedication to such transformation. As Diaz explains, Maria’s motivation wasn’t merely personal gain; rather, it was a desire to create something meaningful for future generations and contribute to a more livable world for others.”
“It takes great bravery to commit one’s life to serving others, not everyone possesses this strength. Therefore, we should express our gratitude towards those who do, for they are truly remarkable. Not everyone has the courage required for such selflessness. That’s simply how the world works, doesn’t it? Everyone has their unique story and destiny. Portraying a character like Maria, so powerful and resilient, makes you ponder, it encourages one to consider the bigger picture,” Béjo pointed out.
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2024-08-08 17:17