The Phoenix Art Museum’s galleries have always impressed me, and now I can certainly say the same about their film showings. To coincide with the Mexican Modern Painting exhibit, there has also been a Mexican Cinema Showcase on Sundays at 1 p.m. that screen thought-provoking films relating to the special exhibition. Though the Phoenix Art Museum may not offer Twizzlers and Coca-Colas with their movie experience, they do offer more insight and soul than your average visit to the theater.
Teo’s Journey follows a boy’s struggle to reunite with his father, Wenesclao, who has been mysteriously absent his whole life. The father and son are temporarily reunited at the beginning when the father is released from prison. However, their trek to illegally cross into the United States separates them again. As they are crossing the desert, the migrant group they are in is attacked by bandadores (thieves), resulting in the father missing. Chuy, a "coyote" who helps Mexicans slip across the border into the United States, takes the abandoned boy under his wing to help the boy’s search.
Teo’s Journey, which was an official selection of the Guadalajara International Film Festival, depicts the full realm of human nature in desperate situations: cruelty and hatred as well as kindness and graciousness. The film revolves around the stresses and horrors experienced by migrants, but also the bonds formed and nurtured. I have to say, I was so endeared by friendship formed between Chuy and Teo. It’s easy to forget the purity and strength of children’s emotions, but this movie was a refreshing reminder.
The Mexican Cinema Showcase is wrapping up this next Sunday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. with the “Best of Mexican Cinema Shorts” featuring drama, comedy, action, and animation. If it’s anywhere near as perceptive and enjoyable as this past film, you know I’ll be there.
If you have any suggestions about what I should check out next, feel free to email me at Mary.G.Richardson@asu.edu or follow me on Twitter at @MG_Richardson.
