7 movies made in Mexico are focus of Heartland mini-festival

Movie buffs know Mexican filmmakers have won the Oscar for best director four times in the last five years.

If you'd like to see more movies from the country where Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water"), Alejandro Inarritu ("The Revenant" and "Birdman") and Alfonso Cuaron ("Gravity") grew up, Heartland Film will present seven features as part of this week's "Cultural Journey: Mexico" event.

Mexican music, fashion and cuisine also will be celebrated April 19-22 at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St.

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At least one filmmaker — Al Analeine Cal y Mayor, director of 2016's "La Voz De Un Sueno" — will attend the event presented in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate in Indianapolis

"Cultural Journey: Mexico" serves as a sequel to Heartland's "Cultural Journey: India" mini-festival staged last August.

The films:

“Buen Dia, Ramon”

When: 6:30 p.m. April 19. Admission: $25.

Opening night of "Cultural Journey: Mexico" promises food, drink and music to accompany "Buen Dia, Ramon," a 2013 movie that tells the story of a young man who struggles to acclimate after moving from Mexico to Germany.

“Chavela”

When: 6 p.m. April 20. Admission: $50.

The second night of "Cultural Journey: Mexico," billed as a "Mexican Market & Film Experience," includes the screening of musical biopic "Chavela." Known for wearing pants in an era of dresses, smoking cigars and carrying a gun, Chavela Vargas rose to fame by singing Mexican rancheras.

“Tesoros”

When: 1 p.m. April 21 Admission: $12.

"Tesoros" (or "Treasures") is a 2017 film in which youngsters seek riches left behind by controversial 16th-century sailor Francis Drake.

“Cuernavaca”

When: 4 p.m. April 21. Admission: $12.

"Cuernavaca," which shares its name with a city in Mexico, made its U.S. debut this month as part of the Chicago Latino Film Festival. The movie centers on a young boy whose world becomes chaotic after his mother suffers an accident.

“Al Otro Lado del Muro”

When: 7 p.m. April 21. Admission: $30.

"Al Otro Lado del Muro" (or "The Other Side of the Wall") is a 2017 documentary that follows the plight of undocumented Honduran immigrants in Mexico.

“Bosque de Niebla”

When: 1 p.m. April 22. Admission: Free.

"Bosque de Niebla" (or "Cloud Forest") is a 2017 documentary based on a community's steps to save an ecosystem.

“La Voz de un Sueno”

When: 4 p.m. April 22. Admission: $12.

The closing film of "Cultural Journey: Mexico" is 2016's "La Voz de un Sueno" (or "The Voice of a Dream"). It's the story of a singer confronting intense circumstances. Director Al Analeine Cal y Mayor will answer audience questions after the screening.

For more information, visit HeartlandFilm.org.

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