### “Hilando Sones” to Enchant at Morelia International Film Festival
The acclaimed documentary “Hilando Sones,” which received a Special Mention in the Emerging Filmmaker category at the Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival, is set to captivate audiences at the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM). This remarkable film delves deeply into the heart of San Pedro Amuzgos, Oaxaca, showcasing the rich history and cultural practices of its community.
Central to this touching narrative are Donato Núñez, the town’s last violinist, his son Lorenzo who strives to revive his father’s musical legacy, and Zoila Bernabé, mother of filmmaker Ismael Vásquez. These compelling stories are intertwined with the music of Natalia Hernández Hernández, an artist from the same town, whose piece “Mi universo” forms the soundtrack of the film.
The director, Ismael Vásquez, emphasizes that the documentary offers an authentic portrayal from within the community. He seeks to shift away from the often paternalistic narratives that dominate indigenous representations, aiming instead to reflect a dignified and self-defined image of their traditions and stories. Vásquez notes that the project originated from a personal need to understand his surroundings and to honor the memory of Donato, whose violin performances were a staple of the town’s significant events.
Incorporating his mother and the traditional craft of backstrap weaving into the film, Vásquez highlights how these crafts permeate life in San Pedro Amuzgos. For the filmmaker, capturing the community’s true voice was imperative, as it transcends typical anthropological studies that often extract and commercialize cultural elements without true representation or resonance.
Vásquez, who studied “Culture, Language, and Memory” at the Universidad Intercultural de los Pueblos del Sur, embarks on his first cinematic journey with “Hilando Sones.” He shares the challenges of penetrating the documentary film industry, especially when cultural biases can undermine indigenous capabilities.
The use of the Amuzgo language in the documentary surprised many locals, as it demonstrated the vital role their native tongue plays in narrating their stories. This realization fostered a sense of inclusion and empowerment, as community members saw themselves portrayed on screen, prompting discussions about future projects.
Currently, Vásquez is developing a film about migration, focusing on an Amuzgo individual moving to the United States and a foreigner relocating to Mexico. The film will explore themes of ownership and belonging, amid the backdrop of American expatriates arriving in Mexican regions, while locals face economic challenges in owning property abroad.
### Secondary Article: More on the Festival Circuit and Indigenous Representation in Film
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in films that authentically portray indigenous stories and perspectives without falling into stereotypical narratives. The Morelia International Film Festival has emerged as a prominent platform for showcasing such works, offering a venue where indigenous filmmakers can present their art on their own terms.
Beyond “Hilando Sones,” the festival features numerous documentaries and films exploring indigenous life, shedding light on contemporary issues and cultural resilience. This movement aligns with broader global trends towards inclusivity and diversity in cinema, challenging filmmakers and audiences to engage with stories that break down barriers and foster deeper understanding.
Filmmakers like Ismael Vásquez are at the forefront of this wave, pushing for change within the industry to offer more opportunities and representation for indigenous storytellers. Through these efforts, festivals continue to be crucial spaces for dialogue and change, advancing narratives that honor the voices and visions of indigenous communities.
As the film industry becomes increasingly conscious of its role in cultural portrayal and preservation, works like “Hilando Sones” demonstrate the profound impact of having stories told by those who have lived them.