Cinema Azteca is an exciting new film series that will provide moviegoers with a diverse and dynamic perspective on the film traditions of Mexico and Latin America. Curated by artists, filmmakers, writers, and other cultural experts, Cinema Azteca will be presented weekly on Tuesday nights at the Holiday Theater.

Cinema Azteca launched March 21 with Out of this World, three months of films selected by Eduardo Sarabia and Lorena Peña Brito.

Out of this World is a selection of surrealist films that feature altered perceptions of the world around us: whether through humor, travel, mind-altering substances, daydreams, madness, or love. The series features films from important and influential figures in Mexican cinema, including Arturo Ripstein, María Novaro, and Gerando Naranjo, as well as cinema pioneers Sergei Eisenstein and Luis Buñuel, among many others, this series explores how getting out of the world, at least symbolically, also gives us the opportunity to recreate and re-imagine it.

El Velador (The Night Watchman) is a subtle and meditative documentary film that explores the life of a caretaker at a cemetery for drug lords and other members of Mexico's criminal underworld. Through a series of quiet, observational scenes, the film provides a glimpse into the daily routine of the caretaker and the surreal world of the cemetery, and reflects on the impact of Mexico's drug wars on the people and communities caught in the crossfire. With its haunting soundtrack and beautiful cinematography, El Velador is a poignant and thought-provoking film that offers a unique and insightful perspective on one of the most pressing issues facing Mexico today. It is a must-watch for fans of documentaries and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities and consequences of the drug wars in Mexico.

Natalia Almada is a Mexican-American filmmaker, director, and producer. She was born in Mexico City and raised in both Mexico and the United States. Almada is known for her documentaries, which often explore the complex social, cultural, and political issues of contemporary Mexico. She has received recognition for her work, including several awards and nominations at film festivals in the United States and around the world. Almada is considered to be one of the leading voices in Mexican documentary filmmaking and is known for her ability to create thought-provoking and insightful films that shed light on important social issues.

Presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

When you purchase a ticket, guess what you get (in addition to this totally awesome experience)? You get free admission to the museum to see the current exhibition. Yeah, that’s right! Admission to the museum is normally $10, so you could say this is a steal. Simply show the front desk your ticket confirmation email to get free entry.

Cuando compras un boleto, ¿qué crees que obtienes (además de una experiencia completamente increíble)? Obtienes una entrada gratuita al museo para ver la exposición actual. ¡Sí, así es! La entrada al museo normalmente tiene un costo de $10, así que podrías decir que esto es una ganga. Simplemente muestra este correo electrónico en la entrada para entrar de manera gratuita.