The spring series of films presented by the University of New Mexico’s Center for the Southwest in the Department of History kicks off with “And Now Miguel,” the 1966 film directed by James B. Clark. The film will be shown on Monday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. in the SUB Theatre. “And Now Miguel” is the story of 12-year-old Miguel Chavez, who longs to accompany the men of his family on their annual shepherding trip to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Based on the true story of a New Mexican boy, this realistic film presents accurate details of a shepherd’s life. The characters in the film exhibit distinct personalities and insightful glimpses into a New Mexico family of sheepherders in the twentieth century. Filmed mostly outdoors in New Mexico, the film benefits from the natural scenic beauty of the diverse state. “And Now Miguel” is also based on the 1953 novel by Joseph Krumgold.
Prior to the screening, Miguel Gandert, Communications and Journalism professor, will present a short introduction. Gandert’s research focuses upon the photographic documentation of Indo-Hispano culture in the Rio Grande corridor. He explores Mestizo cultural identity in the American Southwest and how these peoples do not fit any traditionally Western categories of culture.
Selected publications include: Hermanitos Comanchitos: Indo-Hispano Rituals of Captivity and Redemption (with Enrique R. Lamadrid, University of New Mexico Press, 2003) and Nuevo Mexico Profundo: Rituals of an Indo-Hispano Homeland, (Museum of New Mexico Press, 2000).
All viewings are free, open to the public and are scheduled one Monday night per month. All films start at 7 p.m. For more information, call 277-7688 or contact Elaine Nelson at cntrsw@unm.edu.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at February 7, 2007 08:51 AM