A Musical Journey of México Comes to the Ford

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In recent years, the country of México has experienced quite a lot: increase in crime, decrease in tourism, new President, and failure in sports, among other things. One thing, however, has remained a flourishing constant: music.

That’s where the documentary titled Hecho en México comes to have a significant part not only in music, but culture as well. Tonight, a special world premiere screening of the director’s cut will be presented to the public of Los Angeles at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre.

The night also will include live performances from some of Mexico’s most unique talent in Gull, GRAMMY-nominated Ximena Sariñana and Sergio Arau.

“I’m scheduled to have a musical participation with two or three songs next to the famous band La Venganza de Moctezuma,” said Arau, who noted he’s extremely happy to be involved. “…Quite frankly, the most important thing about the event is the film. I love this film, and it’s made me somewhat of a promoter for it. The message and vision of the film are well established.”

When asked about the theme of the movie, Arau didn’t hesitate to speak his mind.

“For me, it’s about showing the other side of México that almost no one knows – that doesn’t appear in news,” he said. “It’s about our people, the Mexican culture. In all honesty, everyone involved with this film do cool things. There are plenty of musical moments that are rather emotional and make anyone cry.”

The event, dubbed “Hecho en México & Musical Friends” and presented by the Topanga Film Festival, is counting with the presence of Duncan Bridgeman, who directed Hecho en México.

“Presenting this director’s cut in Los Angeles is really exciting for me. It’s going to be a great night,” said Bridgeman. He also pointed out that he wanted to show how beautiful México is.

Within the film, a cross-country road trip takes place – Bridgeman calls it “a musical odyssey.” This enables Hecho en México, which originally released in November of 2012, to depict how rich México is in terms of music. Café Tacuba, Carla Morrison, Lupe Esparza, Lila Downs and Los Tucanes de Tijuana are among the artists who are featured.

“[I learned] a million things,” said Bridgeman. “But most of all, something that we don’t have in England, is the pride in being Mexican even though the country is considered to be terrible shape, that the ‘narcos’ rule it, and that the government is corrupt. There’s this thing I call ‘Mexicality.” This beautiful feeling of pride in being part of a Mexican family.”

Living Out Loud Staff Reporter Ramon Aviles contributed to this story.

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