Mexico. Mexican cinema brings together stories, characters and perspectives that invite us to recognize ourselves and discover new ways of seeing the country. It is memory, identity and creativity that connects with audiences inside and outside Mexico.
Every August 15, Mexican Film Day is commemorated. For this year, Netflix celebrates those who make it possible for stories to reach the screen and announces a new selection of national films that will soon have their premiere only on Netflix.
After the success of Pedro Páramo, Netflix continues to explore the Mexican literary heritage and will bring to the screen Aura, the novel published in 1962 by Carlos Fuentes, one of the most recognized and fundamental national authors, recipient of countless international awards such as the Cervantes Prize in 1987 and the Belisario Domínguez Medal of Honor in 1999. Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios will adapt and direct the feature film, and Stacy Perskie will produce it.
In this regard, Carolina Leconte –Vice President of Content for Mexico– commented: "Today we are proud to announce the launch of new Mexican feature films that will soon arrive on Netflix. We continue to bet on Mexico, on our culture and on our identity. Sharing the different faces of Mexico through each new production represents an opportunity to show the richness and diversity of the country to the world."
Together with Aura, Netflix's new selection of Mexican films brings together stories from various genres that explore the diversity, creativity and authenticity of our country:
Against the Hurricane: Two half-brothers in the middle of the sea struggle to survive when an unexpected storm turns into Hurricane Otis off the coast of Acapulco. This story of brotherhood, inequality and extreme courage has an outstanding level of production that mixes digital visual effects with manual special effects and impressive sets with which it seeks to reproduce on screen the impact of a category 5 storm.
The Hour of the Brave: An accident brings together a psychoanalyst and a police officer on an unexpected adventure. Starring Luis Gerardo Méndez and Memo Villegas, this comedy explores friendship, redemption and the courage to face the unthinkable.
Mexico 86: Permeated with satire and black humor, Mexico 86 tells the story of the crazy gamble with which Mexico, with audacity, managed to win the 1986 World Cup, a feat possible only thanks to pure Mexican ingenuity. This film stars Diego Luna and is directed by Gabriel Ripstein.
A Son of One's Own (Working Title): Feature-length documentary directed by two-time Oscar nominee Maite Alberdi. The deep desire to be a mother and the constant pressure from her environment push Alejandra to fake a pregnancy. What begins as a simple lie becomes a complex farce to maintain for months in front of an excited husband and family. Alejandra is trapped in a simulation that consumes her and will lead her to cross an irreversible line, unleashing a media scandal that will shake the entire country.
Likewise, Rodrigo García's previously announced feature film, Las locuras, will arrive in select theaters and on Netflix next November. The story intertwines stories of six women who, in the midst of self-censorship, family and social pressure, embrace their emotions and decide to free themselves. This film brings together great talents in its cast such as Cassandra Ciangherotti, Ángeles Cruz, Natalia Solián, Naian González Norvind, Ilse Salas and Fernanda Castillo.
Netflix invites you to celebrate Mexican Film Day by watching, sharing and talking about the stories that represent them, but above all, recognizing those who make it possible for Mexico to be seen on screen: creators, artists, technicians and audiences who, together, keep alive the passion for telling and sharing stories.
