With temperatures soaring all over Australia, it is tempting to emulate Mexico and enjoy a little siesta – if only to sleep through a few hours of heat. But would you like to know what else is cool, temperature wise? Cinemas. Luckily for us, Hola Mexico – the Mexican film festival – is bringing a little variety to spice up the big screen. Running from the 18th November to 21st December the festival showcases the strength of the ever expanding Mexican film industry.
Established in Sydney in 2006, the Hola Mexico Film Festival has since grown to include screenings in America and New Zealand. Travelling to six cities in Australia, and showing over 30 different films, this is the festival’s hottest year yet.
Highlights of the festival this year include Sin Nombre, which is opening the festival in Sydney. A Sundance success story from writer-director Cary Fukunaga, the drama-thriller follows two teenagers as they attempt the dangerous crossing from Central America into the USA.
The film festival also features documentaries, including Los Que Se Quedan (Those Who Remain), the recent Los Angeles Film festival winner. The film explores the melancholy and memories of families who have been separated by emigration, as individuals seek a better future for themselves – and their families – in the USA.
The newest section of the film festival is ‘Sexy Comedias’, which will show a number of Mexico’s steamiest comedies, guaranteed to get you hot under the collar. Among these films is Sexo, Pudor y Lagrimas (Sex, Shame and Tears), a box office sensation in Mexico, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. A winner of sex – oh, I mean ‘six’ – major festival awards, the film explores the “battle between the sexes – and the exes!” Tantalising.
So to beat the heat – but to engage your mind – go get your fiesta on down at a cinema near you. It’s an even easier way to get out of the sun than wearing a sombrero.
For more details check out the film festival website.
