MORELIA, Mich. - Shocked by the recent terror
attacks in Morelia, which they both condemned, Mexican actors Diego Luna
and Gael García Bernal said Monday that instead of reacting with fear
and additional protection, citizens should continue to gather for large
outdoor events.
"Instead of increasing vigilance what must be demonstrated is that being
together is going to happen in a natural manner and people will continue
to have contact with each other," Luna said at a press conference at the
6th Morelia International Film Festival.
"The greatest security is the desire to be together, to use the plazas
and all the spaces we can," said García Bernal. "If we're all in this
together pulling in the same direction there is no greater shield
against violence," he added.
The actor, who starred with Luna in the hit "Y tu mamá también" said
that being at the Morelila film festival had additional significance
this year.
"There is a need to take back this space and be closer to family and
friends," he said.
And, Luna added, "Although we were not standing there (in the plaza when
the attack occurred) we were here [in spirit], and we are from here."
Referring to the Ambulante documentary festival they created
four years ago, the two actors said it is now more important than ever.
They announced that in 2009 Ambulante will take place from Feb. 6 to
April 9 in Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Morocco and Greece. In Mexico, the
festival will tour 16 cities.
The actors said they received more than 350 entries and are selecting
the films. They also announced that Ambulante has created a competition
called "One Minute for Human Rights" together with the Federal District
Human Rights Commission. Winners will be announced on Oct. 27.
Luna pleaded for help to keep Ambulante going. "We feel that it is very
important ... not to lose these spaces that can help to spread culture,
in this case, in public plazas," he said.
And his friend García Bernal said that, "If you go by somewhere and see
a documentary, stay a moment and watch it. That's the best reward for
those of us who make them."
Both men are in Rudi y Cursi, a film produced and directed by Alfonso
and Carlos Cuarón, to be screened on Monday night at the
festival.