Crisis affects development of Ambulante l 10 April 2009

Oaxaca, Mexico (April 9, 2009) – At the conclusion of the Ambulante Documentary Tour, Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal acknowledged that the present economic crisis influenced this year’s edition.

“It’s difficult to distance yourself. The same way it hits you, it hit at the festival. It is a festival that lasts up till now from the supporters. Obviously, you realize that there is a fear to leave your money circulating. There is an automatic sense from crisis to protect your goods. The festival has suffered a little from that.” expressed Diego.

In as much, Gael affirmed that Ambulante has evolved in new forms and formulas so that it continues to exist despite of the world crisis.

“Truthfully, (the crisis) greatly decreases this type of initiative. It’s not an expo, it does not have this character to sell. The desire is that they all have the right to be seen,” he added.

Both agreed that in these times of economic difficulty, Ambulante, for its dynamics of free cinema or at half the price, is an escape.

“Cinema is a huge refuge from the crisis. Cinema functions like that,” Diego pointed out.

With everything, the actors assure that this festival has grown this year.

“It’s a festival that has to struggle against the tide because it does not come from an institution. It is not a business whim either or from a financial entity that says ‘I want a festival’. Not, it is an effort by few,” said Diego.

They see errors in the Academy

Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna criticized the mechanism employed in the national cinema industry to recognize the work.

Diego explained that the Ariel awards are designed so that 700 film makers can vote. However, only 70 register, of which they vote for 40.

“The nominations are made by 25 peoples who are a part of the Academy. Then, if you account for it, only 65 people have a connection with the award it gives to the film industry in this country; an industry that makes more than 40 movies,” he asserted.

Gael warned that its lacking in participation on the part of the cinematographic community demonstrates the errors of the system.

“It is a clear sample that there is dissatisfaction. There is a way they do things that is not correct,” he expressed.

Translated by Heather

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