May 7
International Film Forum: TEMPESTAD
Tempestad (Tatiana Huezo, 2016, Mexico, 105 min.) – introduced by Yansi Pérez
“Tatiana Huezo’s masterful documentary Tempestad is both lyrical and political. Focused on the violence and impunity that afflicts Mexico, the film is driven by the voices of two women, Miriam and Adela. As we listen to their stories, Huezo offers us images of the cross-country journey that Miriam took after being released from a cartel-run prison, where she’d been held for her alleged involvement in human trafficking. After no evidence of her participation in trafficking was found, Miriam was eventually let go, becoming instead a public scapegoat for an increasingly common problem in Mexico. Interwoven with the harrowing tale of Miriam’s stay in this torturous environment is the story of Adela, a circus clown, who’s been searching for her abducted daughter who went missing over 10 years ago. By focusing on these women’s stories in voiceover, Tempestad forces you to look closely at the seemingly unrelated imagery that flashes before you. Accompanied by a haunting score by Leonardo Heiblum and Jacobo Lieberman (Maria Full of Grace, A Monster with a Thousand Heads) the documentary speaks to the increased sense of insecurity and fear that permeates rural roads in Mexico. Evocative of Terrence Malick, but infused with a staunchly political message, Tempestad has one of the most indelible final shots of the year, the first and only moment where you see Miriam in the film.” (Manuel Betancourt, ReMezcla)