The History of Mexican Cinema

Mexican filmmaking began at the end of the 19th century and has since revolved around the country's changing economic, cultural and political situations. Common movie themes include the Mexican revolution, family hardships, rural life and nationalism. The film industry today continues to have "boom-to-bust" swings, depending on the amount of support or opposition from the government.

Earliest Days

Mexican cinematic history started with a success story in the politically and economically stable period of the 1890s. As soon as inventors Auguste and Louis Lumiere traveled from France to Mexico with their newly designed projectors, Mexican cinematic entrepreneurs began making movies about national events for both the city elite and rural lower classes. Backed by the modernization efforts of President Porfirio Díaz , new movie theaters opened throughout the country. During the revolution (1910-1920), the film industry documented the armies but stopped making feature movies.

After the Revolution

When the revolution ended, scores of new silent films were produced. But the Mexican film industry was being challenged by the lack of government support and United States promotions for high-quality services at reduced rates. By 1930, nearly all Mexican films were being made across the border. Talking movies provided Mexico with the opportunity to once again become an important cinematic leader. Within a few years, the industry was creating its own styles and receiving national backing. This growth continued until the start of World War II.

New Genres

During the 1930s, two types of film became standard. There were movies that supported the Cardenas government, such as "Redes" ("The Waves") in 1936. Then there were those with commercial appeal, which were based on Mexican literature, theater and modern Mexican themes. Especially popular were the "comedia ranchera," the Mexican form of a cowboy movie that offered comedy, tragedy, a musical score and nationalistic emphasis.

Post-World War II

After World War II, Mexico created a fund to support the country's major cinema producers. It purchased many of the studios and theaters in order to strengthen the country's competition against American investor William O. Jenkins, who had a major stake in the film industry. The government also exempted the Mexican film industry from state taxes. Regardless, the country's cinema quality and quantity began to steadily decline when the United States no longer offered wartime support to the film industry.

Late 1950s and 1960s

With limited funds, only the producers who promised the best profits received government financing. This resulted in mostly low-budget soft-port, ranchero and wrestler films that were of most interest to lower-class city viewers. Less than half of the more than 4,300 films offered in Mexico during the 1950s were Mexican. They were mostly produced in United States. This trend continued into the 1960s.

Past Two Decades

From the 1990s to today, the Mexican cinema has established itself as a leader among Spanish-speaking nations. Advancements include two new film schools, greater support for women in the film industry, more diverse themes and a greater number of talented people being employed as photographers, screenwriters, set designers, musical score writers and production professionals. Although the film industry is always dependent on the external economic and political climate, it appears that the expertise available makes up for the ups and downs.

References

• Film Encyclopedia
• Film in Focus
• Current Trends