In the first large-scale debut of its kind for Latin American cinema in the region, a selection of classic films from Mexico will be screened in Dubai this December.

The screening, part of the seventh annual Dubai International Film Festival, pays tribute to the nation’s bicentennial, DIFF organisers said.

The festival’s annual ‘In Focus’ segment introduces regional audiences to the film, talent and narratives of nations with a history of excellence in cinema. With Mexico being responsible for some of Latin America’s best and most popular contemporary films, DIFF 2010’s In Focus: Mexico segment is expected to resonate not only with the region’s burgeoning Spanish-speaking population but with everyone who loves cinema. 

“From the 1940s through to the new wave, Mexican cinema has a celebrated history that is often overlooked today,” said Masoud Amralla Al Ali, DIFF Artistic Director. “We believe that the diversity, innovation and energy of Mexican cinema will inspire emerging and established filmmakers in the region, and we hope this special section will build a lasting bond between the region’s Spanish-speaking community and the Festival.”  

Francisco Alonso, Mexican Consul General in Dubai, stressed his government’s interest in strengthening cultural and economic ties between Mexico and Dubai, and urged the local community to get to know Mexico better through DIFF.  

“We are firm believers in the Dubai International Film Festival’s credo of ‘Bridging Cultures, Meeting Minds,’ and we are honoured that the leading film festival of the Arab world has chosen to focus on Mexico this year,” Alonso said. “The Mexican community in the region will be active participants in DIFF this year, and we look forward to sharing our cultural values, stories, music and our talents with residents and visitors.”

DIFF has screened a number of films by Mexican filmmakers in previous years. Alejando González Iñárritu’s “Babel” and Carolina Rivas’ documentary “El Color de Los Olivos” (The Colour of Olives), for example, have both been screened at the event.

More recently, DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma this month led a delegation to the eighth annual Morelia International Film Festival in the Mexican state of Michoacán.

The Dubai International Film Festival runs from December 12 to 19. A final list of Mexican films at this year’s event is awaited.