Celebrating Mexico's Cinema Day: An Exclusive Sneak Peek at 'Pedro Páramo' and Other Films

Francisco Ramos

VP of Latin American Content

The recognition of Mexican cinema and literature within and beyond our borders is unquestionable; their quality and transcendence resonate because they define us just as we are. Today we celebrate National Day of Mexican Cinema by reaffirming our commitment to Mexican cinema and talking about one of the most relevant projects: Pedro Páramo, a film adaptation of Juan Rulfo's novel. Almost 70 years after its publication, Pedro Páramo remains one of the fundamental pillars of our literature, a seminal work of universal transcendence.

We made the decision to undertake the film adaptation of Pedro Páramo with the utmost respect, rigor and commitment. To this end, we were able to bring together an impressive group of artists and technicians, mostly Mexican, headed by the renowned and award-winning cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, making his directorial debut with Pedro Páramo. To Rodrigo, the production team, technical crew, and cast, headed by Manuel García-Rulfo, Tenoch Huerta, Dolores Heredia, Ilse Salas, Giovana Zacarías, Mayra Batalla, Ishbel Bautista, Héctor Kotsifakis, Noé Hernández and Roberto Sosa, among many others, I acknowledge and thank you for the commitment, passion, talent, and dedication you put into this task. I thank the Rulfo family for their trust and support.

This feature film will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the festival's Platform programme. We are proud to be able to bring this Mexican piece to a festival of such tradition and impact. By the end of the year, it will be on Netflix and will be available in more than 190 countries. In the meantime, we would like to share with you some behind-the-scenes images from this production as well as a selection of images of what's to come. I think you will get a clear sense of Comala and Mexico.

In addition, as a sign of the commitment we speak of, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on several film projects:

Technoboys premieres this September 11. After more than 10 years, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Karla Souza reunite in this acid comedy, joined by Gabriel Nuncio, Daniela Vega, Fernando Bonilla, Joaquín Ferreira, Luis Rodríguez "El Guana", Ari Brickman, Vin Ramos, Mónica del Carmen, German Bracco, with a special performance by Fernanda Castillo, under the direction of Gerardo Gatica and Luis Gerardo Méndez. Produced by Cine Vaquero, Panorama and Bengala.

Untamed Royals premieres this August 28. This feature film tells the story of a group of wealthy teenagers who exploit their social status to commit increasingly serious crimes. However, the consequences of their actions impact the most vulnerable, not the most fortunate. Directed by Humberto Hinojosa, it stars Juan Pablo Fuentes, Ximena Lamadrid, Fernando Cattori, Renata Manterola, with a special appearance by Alfonso Herrera. Produced by Tigre Pictures and BH5 Studios.

I am also excited to share that we are in the post-production stage of the following films:

The Biggest Fan (working title), directed by María Torres (Anonymously Yours). This comedy tells the story of Lana Cruz, an actress who, after being canceled from Hollywood, returns to Mexico to act in a movie and prove that she can still be a big star. Little does she know that she will meet Polly, her biggest fan and worst nightmare. Lana will have to go to great lengths to prevent Polly from ending her career and her patience. It stars Kate del Castillo and Diana Bovio as Lana and Polly, respectively. Produced by Gaumont and Pasajero.

Los dos hemisferios de Lucca, the adaptation of the moving namesake book written by Bárbara Anderson, to be directed by Mariana Chenillo (Nora's Will, Somos.), scripted by Javier Peñalosa. Starring Bárbara Mori and Juan Pablo Medina, and produced by Woo Films.

Las Locuras, the new film by Rodrigo García, following Familia, in which the Mexican-Colombian director will use a series of stories around an intense day to explore how people are pushed to their limits to rebel against confinement, self-censorship, and family pressure. Same as Familia, the film is produced by Panorama Global.