The History of Mexico and Mexican Film by Carlos Garcia

1877 - Porfirio Diaz becomes president of Mexico

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General and politician Porfirio Diaz revolts against his previous failed elections, demanding no reelection and municipal freedom. He is successful and becomes president.

de Planque, Louis, et al. “The Mexican Revolution and the United States in the Collections of the Library of CONGRESS Mexico during the Porfiriato.” Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/exhibits/mexican-revolution-and-the-united-states/mexico-during-the-porfiriato.html.

1910 - The Mexican Revolution takes place

car2284254 — 2021-09-05 11:14:37 UTC

The decade-long civil war where Mexico won back its freedom from Spanish colonial rule. During this time, there was tremendous growth in Mexican music, liturature, and visual arts.

“The Mexican REVOLUTION: November 20th, 1910.” NEH, 19 Mar. 2012, edsitement.neh.gov/closer-readings/mexican-revolution-november-20th-1910.

1910 onward - Early film: silent film

car2284254 — 2021-09-05 11:20:59 UTC

The rise of Mexican silent films takes place during the Mexican Revolution. There is a tendency to document historical events in these films.

Kimberly Tomadjoglou. “Introduction: The Culture of Mexican Silent Cinema.” Film History, vol. 29, no. 1, 2017, pp. v-xiii. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.2979/filmhistory.29.1.01. Accessed 5 Sept. 2021.

1930-1954 The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema

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In the Golden Age of Mexican cinema Mexico's film culture flourished. During this time, there were many master film makers and a large diversity of genres. The Mexican film industry also boasted commercial strength: Mexico supplied the Spanish-speaking markets in Central and South America with movies.

Roddick, Chloe. “Deep Focus: The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema: Sight & Sound.” British Film Institute, 25 July 2019, www2.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/features/deep-focus/deep-focus-golden-age-mexican-cinema.

1934 - The presidency of Lazaro Cardenas

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For the next four years, President Lazaro Cardenas would push the country through a series of social reforms including improved wages and working conditions for industrial workers. He also increased the amount of land distributed among the peasantry.

Weston, Charles H. “The Political Legacy of Lázaro Cárdenas: The Americas.” Cambridge Core, Cambridge University Press, 11 Dec. 2015, www.cambridge.org/core/journals/americas/article/abs/political-legacy-of-lazaro-cardenas/4071FCEEDE8607F700EEC796F27FFEE7.

1968 - Mexico hosts the Olympics

car2284254 — 2021-09-05 21:42:36 UTC

To symbolize Mexico's rising international status, in 1968 the IOC chooses to host the Olympic Games in Mexico City.

History.com Editors. “Mexico Timeline.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Jan. 2010, www.history.com/topics/mexico/mexico-timeline.

1990s - Nuevo Cine Mexicano (New Mexican Cinema)

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The renaissance of Mexican cinema. High-quality films were able to be produced thanks to government sponsorship.

“Central America.” Film Book, by RONALD BERGAN, DK, 2021, p. 162.

Luna, Ayenin. “Film Movements: Nuevo Cine Mexicano.” MODA, MODA, 13 Jan. 2021, www.modachicago.org/blog/2020/11/15/film-movements-nuevo-cine-mexicano.

2006 - Felipe Calderon becomes president

car2284254 — 2021-09-05 21:57:18 UTC

During his presidency, Felipe Calderon strengthened the rule of law and helped the Mexican economy reach stability and growth, even during the 2009 global economic crisis.

“Felipe Calderón.” Felipe Calderón | World Affairs Council Jacksonville, www.worldaffairscounciljax.org/about/speaker-portfolio/felipe-calder%C3%B3n/.

1891-1895 - First inventions that displayed moving pictures

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Edison Company's Kinetoscope in 1981 and the Lumiere brothers' Cinematograph in 1895 were devices invented for displaying moving pictures to the public.

“A Very Short History of Cinema.” National Science and Media Museum, www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/very-short-history-of-cinema.

1932 - Technicolor's three-color camera is invented

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A huge technological advancement in the world of film, the three-color camera built on the two-color photographic process. This camera captured much more vibrant colors and was used for films such as The Wizard of Oz (1939) and A Matter of Life and Death (1946).

“A Very Short History of Cinema.” National Science and Media Museum, www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/very-short-history-of-cinema.

“Three-Strip Camera.” George Eastman Museum, www.eastman.org/technicolor/technology/three-strip-camera.

1925 - The Vitaphone is invented

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To introduce sound into film, the Vitaphone used phonograph discs to store sound and dialogue. The Warner Bros. first used the Vitaphone in Don Juan (1926).

“Sound Motion Picture Technology.” Sound Motion Picture Technology - Engineering and Technology History Wiki, ethw.org/Sound_Motion_Picture_Technology.

1897 - Spain's first movies

car2284254 — 2021-09-20 08:25:59 UTC

The first movies made by Spain appeared around this time. Among these were Salida de la misa de doce de la iglesia del Pilar de Zaragoza and Plaza del puerto en Barcelona.

1936-1939 - The Spanish Civil War

car2284254 — 2021-09-20 08:39:13 UTC

A civil war occurred in Spain in the form of a military coup against the Republic Government of Spain. This war was one fought over fascism and freedom. The Republican side was brought to surrender.

“Spanish Civil War.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/event/Spanish-Civil-War.

1950s, 60s, and 70s - Collaboration between Spain, Italy, and France in film making

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Many Western movies were made by this tri-country collaboration such as Tristana by Luis Bunuel and many other Western-type films.

“Spanish Civil War.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/event/Spanish-Civil-War.

2018 - Roma (film)

car2284254 — 2021-10-03 19:39:20 UTC

The 2018 Mexican film Roma takes place in the 70s and captures the story of a housemaid in Mexico City who becomes pregnant. The housemaid Cleo must deal with the struggles of having a baby with a father who has abandoned them.

The movie's events happen to coincide with the Corpus Christi Massacre, where 120 students were killed during a protest in Mexico City.

1917 - The Constitution of 1917

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Mexico created the progressive Constitution of 1917 which upheld the right to strike, 8 hour workdays, and a minimum wage. It also separated church and state and along with a series of land reforms set term limits for government leaders.

“Centennial of the Mexican Constitution.” Edited by Michael Widener, Lillian Goldman Law Library, 3 Apr. 2017, https://library.law.yale.edu/news/centennial-mexican-constitution.

1941-1945 - World War II

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In 1941 Mexico signed a treaty with the United States to solve disputes like Mexico stabilizing the peso and the U.S. offering long-term loans for Mexico's economy. In 1942 Mexico joined WWII when Germany sank two of its boats. Mexico contributed greatly by supplying the U.S. with raw materials, they also formed the 201st fighter squadron in 1944 to work with the United States in the Philippines. The war affected Mexico greatly. Imports became scarce, so an industrial revolution occurred.

“World War II, 1941–45.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/place/Mexico/World-War-II-1941-45.

1976 - Oil reserves in the Bay of Campeche

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Oil reserves are discovered in the Bay of Campeche. The Cantarell oil field is established here and will eventually become one of the biggest in the world. The current Mexican president Jose Lopez Portillo vows to use the proceeds from the business to aid Mexico's economy via "industrial expansion, social welfare, and high-yield agriculture." However, after many loans are taken out the oil proves to be of low grade and Mexico accrues outstanding debt.

History.com Editors. “Mexico Timeline.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Jan. 2010, https://www.history.com/topics/mexico/mexico-timeline.

1911 and 1914 - First Latino appearances in Hollywood

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Latinos made their early appearances in silent Western films such as Tony the Greaser (1911) and The Greaser's Revenge (1914) setting the stereotype that they play as villains against white protagonists.

Latinos and Cinema. Film Reference. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2021, from http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Independent-Film-Road-Movies/Latinos-and-Cinema-LATINOS-AND-HOLLYWOOD-FILM.html.

Mid-1920s - Rise of the "Latin Lover" image in Hollywood films

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While dark-skinned Mexicans and other Latinos were limited to the bandit/greaser roles, light-skinned Latinos had the opportunity to play romantic, sensuous roles that set the stereotype of the "Latin lover." However, many light-skinned Latinos hid their status in order to be counted as white and not receive any stereotypical roles.
Some of the Latino actors of this era include Ramon Novarro, Dolores Del Rio, Gilbert Roland, and Lupe Velez.

The female version of the "Latin lover" is called the "spicy Latina."

(EDU), cmaadmin. (2007, June 15). The early years – the portrayal of minorities in Hollywood film industry. Diverse. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://www.diverseeducation.com/home/article/15083558/the-early-years-the-portrayal-of-minorities-in-hollywood-film-industry.

Latinos and Cinema. Film Reference. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2021, from http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Independent-Film-Road-Movies/Latinos-and-Cinema-LATINOS-AND-HOLLYWOOD-FILM.html.

1940s - U.S.-Mexican Good Neighbor Policy and Hollywood

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The U.S. sought to strengthen political ties with Latin American countries during the WWII period; Hollywood supported this by creating films which exulted Latin American culture with themes of friendship and cooperation. A couple examples of the movies of this period include Weekend in Havanna (1941) and The Three Caballeros (1941)

Encyclopedia.com. (2021, October 19). ." Schirmer Encyclopedia of film. . encyclopedia.com. 22 Sep. 2021 . Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latinos-and-cinema.

1995 - Hollywood film My Family (Mi Familia) breaking Latino stereotypes

car2284254 — 2021-10-20 00:39:22 UTC

My Family portrayed the life of a Latin American family in a drama that did not paint negative stereotypes on the characters such like being thieves or immigrants and was a step in the right direction for Latinx representation in Hollywood cinema.

2017 - Hollywood's grossing Mexican-themed Coco

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Mexican-themed animated film Coco grossed for over $731 million USD and wins two Oscars. The film celebrates Mexican traditions and was released during the time President Donald Trump undid the DACA immigration policy.

Los Angeles Times. (2021, June 13). A brief, brutally honest history of Latinos in Hollywood. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 20, 2021, from https://www.latimes.com/projects/latino-gap-timeline-history-latinos-hollywood-movies-tv/.

2017 - The Shape of Water (Film)

car2284254 — 2021-10-20 03:03:55 UTC

Guillermo Del Toro's film The Shape of Water takes place in the 1960s, during the U.S.-Russian Cold War. Elisa is a mute woman working in a government facility when a humanoid sea creature is brought into the lab. The movie is a romance and has aspects of magical realism.

1980s-Present - Spicy Latina stereotype evolution

car2284254 — 2021-10-31 21:09:19 UTC

The previous version of the "spicy Latina" mainly centered on lustful themes. However, from the 1980s onward the spicy Latina comes to represent a tough, brown-skinned firey woman with a fearless, powerful air which commands authority or respect. The Spicy Latina may be portrayed as tomboyish such as Rosita (Christian Serratos) from The Walking Dead (2010). or as upscale like Odile (Sofia Vergara) from The Smurfs (2011).

“The Spicy Latina Trope, Explained: Watch: The Take.” The Spicy Latina Trope, Explained | Watch | The Take, 14 Dec. 2020, https://the-take.com/watch/the-spicy-latina-trope-explained.

2000 - Present - Sofia Vergara in stereotypical Hispanic roles

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Actress Sofia Vergara Started her acting in American films from 2000, and is best known for her role in Modern Family (2009-20). She has played various stereotypical roles for T.V. and commercials where she is presented as the "spicy Latina." Examples of her stereotypical roles can be seen in Modern Family and The Smurfs. According to Sofia, it does not matter what others think of her stereotypical roles because she, her aunt, and her mother live and act in the same manner as Latin women in reality (Desta, 2017).

Augustyn, Adam. “Sofía Vergara.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sofia-Vergara.

Desta, Yohana. “Sofia Vergara to Critics: ‘What's Wrong with Being a Stereotype?"'.” Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2017, https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/01/sofia-vergara-stereotype-character.

1979-Present - Stereotype "greaser" "bandit" evolves into "gangster" or "cholo"

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After Western films go out of fashion, the equivalent role for bandits becomes gangsters or "cholos." Mexican men tend to be portrayed as "cholos" (women as "cholas"). Examples of this in film can be found in Boulevard Nights (1979), Mexican Gangster (2008), and A Better Life (2011).

1983-Present - Danny Trejo in stereotypical Hispanic roles

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Actor Danny Trejo has made a big leap forward in Latin American roles in film. He is most known for his role in Spy Kids (2001) as the heroic uncle. He has played several roles as a gangster in film. For example, he plays as prison inmate cholo Geronimo in Blood in Blood Out (1993), and as the drug cartel member "Tortuga" in Breaking Bad (2008).

Getlen, Larry. “How Danny Trejo's Criminal Past Helped Him Become a Hollywood Star.” New York Post, New York Post, 11 July 2021, https://nypost.com/2021/07/10/how-danny-trejos-criminal-past-helped-him-succeed-as-an-actor/.

1960s-1970s - Hispanic immigrant Stereotype

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This stereotype shows Latin Americans as immigrants who speak broken English or no English at all. These characters are typically disrespected or looked down upon by white characters because they are assumed illegal or seem to not be able to fit into U.S. Culture (Pressler, 18). An example of this stereotype can be found in the movie Born in East L.A. (1987).

Pressler, Emily M., "Hispanic Stereotypes in Contemporary Film" (2019). University Honors Program Theses. 425.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/425

2011 - The Smurfs (film)

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The Smurfs (2011) was filmed in new york and follows the story of little mythical creatures that are transported from their world to Earth. They collide with the life of a couple, that is, Patrick and his girlfriend who agree to help them get back to their world.
In this film, Sofia Vergara plays the role of a "spicy Latina" who is Patrick's boss.

1821 - Mexico gains independence

car2284254 — 2021-11-16 20:44:42 UTC

On August 24, 1821, in the Plain of Iguala, Spanish crown representatives and Mexican General Iturbide signed the Treaty of Cordoba to recognize Mexico's independence from Spain.

Courses.lumenlearning.com. 2021. The Mexican War of Independence | Boundless World History. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].

1821-1851 - Mexico struggles to achieve nationhood

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Throughout the next three decades from Mexico gaining its independence, the country goes through great internal struggles as it tries to reach stability.
During these 30 years, Mexico breezed through 50 governments which were all the result of military coups between the Liberals who wished for a system like the U.S. and the Conservatives who sought to uphold the Spanish system of governing.

Embamex.sre.gob.mx. 2021. Mexico after the Independence. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].

1822-1824 - Agustin de Iturbide becomes Emperor of Mexico

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Iturbide becomes the first Emperor of independent Mexico. However, in a coup by General Santa Anna, he was exiled to Britain less than a year later. In 1824, Iturbide came back to Mexico only to be promptly arrested and executed.

Embamex.sre.gob.mx. 2021. Mexico after the Independence. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].

1833-1855 General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's presidency

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Santa Anna was president 11 times between 1833 and 1855, and was also president during the Mexican-American War in 1836 which resulted in Mexico's loss of over half its territory. In 1848, the U.S. marched to Mexico City where they fought and won the final skirmish at Chapultepec Castle. The items in the treaty Santa Anna was forced to sign included a $15 million sale of land that now constitute the states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, and California. Santa Anna lost his popularity and was exiled.

Embamex.sre.gob.mx. 2021. Mexico after the Independence. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].

1861 and 1862 - Mexico and the French Intervention

car2284254 — 2021-11-17 04:22:18 UTC

In 1861, the new Mexican president Benito Juarez proclaimed that Mexico did not have enough money to pay its debts to Spain, England, and France. Because of this, these European countries sent a joint army to retrieve their payments by force. Mexico convinced Spain and England to withdraw, but France decided to attempt a takeover of Mexico.
From December of 1861 and the next month, French troops marched from Veracruz to Mexico City. In a congregated effort, the Mexican people fought and defeated the French troops on May 5th 1862 in the Battalla de Puebla.

Embamex.sre.gob.mx. 2021. Mexico after the Independence. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 November 2021].

1968 - Villa Rides (film)

car2284254 — 2021-11-17 04:26:23 UTC

Villa Rides is a western war film taking place during the Mexican Revolution. The story covers a Texas man who joins Pancho Villa to help him in various battles.
Pancho Villa was a bandit but operating as general led a revolution that toppled President Porfirio Diaz from his dictatorship.

1898 - Spain loses Latin American colonies

car2284254 — 2021-12-02 09:33:36 UTC

The Latin American colonies under Spain win independence, and Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines are lost after a battle with the U.S. in 1898.

BBC. “Spain Profile - Timeline.” BBC News, BBC, 14 Oct. 2019, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17955805.

1493-1511 - Spain's conquest begins

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Christopher Columbus takes his second trip into the New World and creates a settlement in Hispaniola. With this, the Spanish branch further out and into Puerto Rico in 1508, Jamaica in 1509, and Cuba in 1511.

“Unit 1.” Edited by Iebame Houston and Wynne Dough, National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/fora/learn/education/unit-1-spain-in-the-new-world-to-1600.htm#:~:text=In%201493%2C%20during%20his%20second,and%20to%20Cuba%20in%201511.

1519-1521 - The Mexicas are conquered by Spain

car2284254 — 2021-12-02 09:48:09 UTC

Conquistador Hernan Cortes arrives at the Gulf of Mexico with a small force and founds Veracruz. Two years later, he topples the Aztec Empire and creates New Spain.

“Spain in the New World to 1600” Edited by Iebame Houston and Wynne Dough, National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/fora/learn/education/unit-1-spain-in-the-new-world-to-1600.htm#:~:text=In%201493%2C%20during%20his%20second,and%20to%20Cuba%20in%201511.