As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for stories that delve into the complexities of human experiences, I find myself captivated by the profound journey that Bérénice Béjo embarks on in “Mexico 86”. Having grown up with parents who fled their homeland under the shadow of tyranny, this film resonates deeply with my own family history.
Bérénice Béjo, known for ‘The Artist’, takes on the role of a Guatemalan rebel battling against a military dictatorship in the film ‘Mexico 86’. This movie is directed by César Díaz, who has previously worked on ‘Our Mothers’. The world premiere of this production, which is one of the notable events at the Locarno Film Festival, will take place on Saturday in the town’s Piazza Grande.
“In 1976, intense danger from death threats compels Maria, an outspoken Guatemalan rebel fighting against the oppressive military regime, to seek refuge in Mexico, abandoning her son. A decade later, when he joins her, she finds herself torn between her maternal obligations and her commitment to revolutionary activism.”
As a dedicated gamer, I found myself drawn into a flick titled subtly after the ’86 Soccer World Cup held in Mexico. Though it’s not heavily featured throughout the movie, a handful of scenes subtly hint at this historic event, igniting a spark of nostalgia for those who remember that momentous occasion.
At a press event for the movie in Locarno on Saturday, Béjo discussed how working on the film deepened her comprehension of her familial background and the parents who fled Argentina’s dictatorship to reside in France.
“In speaking with reporters, the actress shared that when she took on this film at César’s suggestion, it served as a means to discuss her family without explicitly doing so. She hails from a family who escaped the dictatorship in Argentina and her parents were not forthcoming about their past. There are numerous mysteries and stories untold. Throughout my life – at age 20, 30, and even 40 – I yearned for answers, feeling deeply disappointed with my parents for not satisfying my curiosity.”
Her parents typically only spoke to her about their past by reminding her that they had moved from Argentina to France, implying her good fortune, and emphasizing that what came before no longer mattered. Acting in the show Mexico 86, Béjo expressed a desire to uncover some answers to her lingering questions about their past.
Though things took an unexpected turn, she clarified, “Contrary to what one might assume, I did make the film, and it was me who found tranquility. I no longer seek answers. I’ve grasped from César’s movie that we have the liberty to remain silent. We possess the power to keep our secrets. Some speak while others are silent, and it’s crucial not to pass judgment on either.”
Béjo, in addition, expressed that she and the filmmaker hold high regard for freedom fighters. The 2019 Cannes Caméra d’Or winner, “Our Mothers,” by Díaz, delved into the brutal consequences of his nation’s conflict. This upcoming movie is inspired by his personal childhood experiences. As he stated on the Locarno festival website, making this film required him to face the armed struggle that his mother was involved in and the fact that she was a mother herself. “Activists devote their lives to societal change,” he noted, “but they often find it challenging to fulfill their responsibilities as parents.”
On a Friday, I found myself reminiscing about my initial lunch with Díaz. He shared with me, “I’ve got two kids, and I could never abandon them. I can’t fathom why my mother did what she did, but thankfully she did.” He also mentioned, “Fortunately, there are individuals like that, women and men who possess the courage to temporarily set aside their natural instincts for a cause that transcends them.”
The star mused, “Hadn’t Cesar’s mother acted as she did, hadn’t numerous individuals taken similar actions, wouldn’t we be dwelling in a different world today, perhaps one without the fight for noble ideals and democracy?”
Discussing current matters, Béjo voiced her worries about the global situation on Friday. “In numerous nations today, our democracy is facing intense threats,” she said at a press conference. “What actions should we take to safeguard it? Who will step up to protect it? Are we brave enough to defend it? In this self-absorbed and selfish world, can we manage to act?”
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2024-08-10 15:24