During the 21st edition of GIFF, there was a Master Class taught by Damián Alcázar at Teatro Principal.
His fans met at this venue to listen to his experiences in several films, as well as several opinions on politics and his private life.
The multi-awarded actor spoke about his career studying at the Theater School at Universidad Veracruzana and dedicating eight years of his life to the stage, in repertory companies, until Gabriel Retes and his film La ciudad al desnudo brought him into film to stay.
His work with filmmaker Luis Estrada was highlighted: films such as La Ley de Herodes, Un mundo maravilloso, El infierno and La dictadura perfecta, which have made the actor renowned among Mexican audiences.
Alcázar declared he was only interested in making movies with a social message, putting his commitment to society above money. “I’d rather be broke doing what I love”, he says.
He mentioned his work with Disney in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, which he only accepted because it was children’s fantasy literature and he could feel comfortable with the role.
He declared himself a Latin American actor and that one of the best things his career has granted him is the love of the people who make movies. This love nurtures him and makes him feel committed to making quality films.
Finally, he emphasized the urge to tend to Mexican cinema, remembering the neo-liberal model that has affected distribution, limiting exhibition to films that come from Hollywood. He insisted that while cinema can be an industry, it is also culture and it’s the responsibility of the state to make sure it’s promoted through institutions such as Cineteca Nacional in every state of the country.
He reiterated that art maintains human values above the interests of the capital and that by neglecting it, culture vanishes, poverty comes and violence arises. Alcázar sees the possibility for a change with the new government and he assures that he hopes to build a better country, where the fundamental problems in the fields, in health and in bringing peace are dealt with and then it can tend to cinema like its fans want.
By the end of the chat, there was a space for questions from the audience, which was very enthusiastic. Damián Alcázar even asked for time to be extended so he could answer as many questions as possible.
And thus the Master Class with this year’s Mexican tributee, who was happy to be there at the Festival and share this space with a movie-loving audience, was experienced.
