MEXICO A Little Background

Post WWII Gov’t supported Often cheap, quickly shot formula projects $ Some directors stand out – work independently Buñuel Influenced by surrealist movement

1970s For decades, the government controlled the film industry during the 1970s change in gov’t (liberal): Gov’t bought the principal studio facilities Founded production companies and took over distribution Encouraged production and fostered an auteur cinema political cinema

1980s By end of 1970s, Mexico’s gov’t moved right (conservative) Gov’t invested in only a few projects Output fell steeply (only a few genres) Depression/inflation in Mexico contributed to change By mid 1980s, pendulum swung somewhat back new president - national agency was created to finance quality production and lure productions from abroad became a popular spot for U.S. runaway productions (Titanic)

1990s Inflation again In 1991, Mexico produced only thirty-four films Gov’t invested in two firms Imcine and Televicine Imcine sponsored small independent productions Some directors find success Cannes Film Festival 1999 – Gov’t created: Fund for Quality Film Production number of films rose but most films shown were Hollywood made

2000s In 2003 – Mexican made films made up only 9% of screen time 2004 – only 18 of 36 Mexican-produced films made it to theaters In 2005 – gov’t incentives revived industry (again)

Three Directors Gave Mexican films international attention Supported young directors, pressured gov’t to invest Cha Cha Cha Alejandro González Iñárritu Amores Perros (2000) Alfonso Cuarón Y tu Mama Tambien (2001) Guillermo del Toro Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)