La Negrada

La Negrada is a provocative and captivating film released in 2018, adeptly helmed by director Jorge Pérez Solano. The film dares to pierce a bubble relatively untouched by the cinematic community, presenting a rich narrative that draws audiences into a part of Mexican society commonly overlooked: the Black population residing along the coast of Oaxaca. This groundbreaking cinematic piece, starring Felipe Neri Acevedo Corcuera and Magdalena Soriano, is the first Mexican movie shot with a stellar cast of non-professional Black actors, ensuring an indelible authenticity and sincerity to the film's distinctive storytelling.

The thought-provoking story of La Negrada unfolds as a complex amalgam of romance, societal prejudices, and the struggles confronted by the Afro-Mexican community. Building on these themes, the film weaves together intricate relationships in a small seaside village, presenting the plight of the Afro-Mexican group, often ignored by the wider society. The actors negotiate these intense spaces and their context, immersing the audience in the authentic dialogues, settings, and interactions that exemplify the lives of Afro-Mexican communities.

Felipe Neri Acevedo Corcuera delivers a poignant and immersive performance. His presence on screen reflects the complexity of the society's dynamics and individual struggles, culminating into a significant and nuanced character across the narrative. Magdalena Soriano, a natural talent and a newcomer to the screen, captivates the viewers with her evocative performances and emotional depth. Their collaboration brings to life the intricate relationships and characters in this isolated seaside locale.

Jorge Pérez Solano's direction in La Negrada is a commendable approach towards embracing inclusivity and diversity in Mexican cinema. His bold intention to present a truthful and untainted representation of these private spaces strongly underlines his commitment to storytelling, transforming the narrative into a poignant and touching cinematic revelation. Noteworthy is his decision to cast non-professional actors from local Afro-Mexican communities, reinforcing the authenticity of his portrayal. This unique step has brought forth a raw and visceral narrative, steering clear from the glamour and artifice typically seen in conventional filmmaking.

As a technical achievement, La Negrada is remarkable in its cinematography. The lush visuals, rooted in the natural beauty of Mexico's coastline, offer visually stunning backdrops that enhance the drama. Additionally, the deliberate pacing of the movie, marked by Solano's measured approach to storytelling, allows ample time for viewers to soak in the rich tapestry of life unfolding on-screen. The distinctive interplay of narratives, combined with Solano's gritty yet, ethereal visual style, provides a unique cinematic experience that coalesces into a distinct form of visual poetry.

The film not only relishes in its portrayal of Afro-Mexican culture but also delves into the disheartening undercurrents of racial discrimination, prejudice, and overlooked citizenship. Through its masterly storytelling, La Negrada exposes these harsh realities, triggering essential conversations among viewers. In its essence, the film is much more than a mere movie; it becomes a platform for social commentary and critique, amplifying the realities of Afro-Mexican inhabitants in a country where they have been overlooked.

All in all, La Negrada is a raw and profound cinematic exploration, unearthing the vibrant and, at times, disheartening realities of Afro-Mexican communities. Its narrative is a compelling blend of romance, hardship, and society, seamlessly delivered by its cast of non-professional actors with all the sincerity, authenticity, and impact of seasoned performers. Jorge Pérez Solano's direction, coupled with the artistic cinematography, enriches this daring Mexican film that takes mainstream cinema to a refreshing and revelatory direction.

Yet, the film's ultimate triumph lies not simply in its brave storytelling or enveloping visuals. Rather, it lies in the powerful conduit it provides for members of the Afro-Mexican community to have their voices, experiences, and rich trademarks of their culture skillfully and authentically articulated for the world to see. With La Negrada, a lesser-seen side of Mexico is exposed to a keen audience, prompting a necessary shift in the Mexican cultural landscape, making it an unmissable slice of truly world cinema.