Every Friday in February 2015, the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix will host free screenings of films chronicling relations between the U.S. and Mexico.
Starting Friday, Feb. 6, the Paul Espinosa Film Festival will feature two documentaries, “The Haunt for Pancho Villa” and “The U.S. Mexican War: 1846 -1848,” as well as the drama “… And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him.”
The three films provide insight on historical events along the 1,989 mile border from the mid 19th century to the late 20th century.
“I think that in seeing these films, people will get awareness of how old, complicated and complex the relation between the U.S. and Mexico is,” said filmmaker Paul Espinosa, professor emeritus at Arizona State University’s School of Transborder Studies.
Espinosa’s films have been featured in festivals in El Paso, Albuquerque, San Diego and the Valley. They have aired on PBS and on Mexico City’s cultural TV channel, Canal 11.
“The Hunt for Pancho Villa” explores U.S. Gen. John J. Pershing’s dogged pursuit of the iconic Mexican revolutionary, who had attacked Columbus, N.M., in March 1916.
“The U.S.Mexican War: 18461848,” a two part series, focuses on the war that transformed the North American continent.
“… And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him,” set in in 1950s, is adapted from the 1971 novel by Tomás Rivera.
Espinosa, who will attend receptions before the screenings Feb. 6 and 27, said the films can be of special importance to an Arizona audience.
“Seeing what happens in the Mexican American War makes you think of what is happening right now in Arizona,” he said. “I think having a historical understanding gives you a different perspective on what is going on now and how things may change.”
Paul Espinosa Film Festival
All films will be screened at 7 p.m. in the Carlos Fuentes Room at the Consulate General of Mexico, 320 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. Admission is free.
Feb. 6: “The Hunt for Pancho Villa,” in English.
Feb. 13: “The U.S.Mexican War: 1846 – 1848,”
Part I, in Spanish.
Feb. 20: “The U.S.Mexican War: 1846 – 1848,”
Part II, in Spanish.
Feb. 27: “… And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him,” in English, with Spanish subtitles.
