New Opportunities for Independent Filmmakers
Today’s technology combined with the current need for “virtual” activities has opened new business opportunities for independent filmmakers. An example is Erick Rams, a director and producer at Onda-Craneal Films in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. The company is a movie and television studio that provides audiovisual production for cinema and the internet.
In an interview for this publication, Erick talks about independent producers: “The film industry is hard for independent filmmakers. It takes a lot of time and financial investment to make a film, but it is difficult for us to get an audience for our works since we do not have the distribution outlets like the major film companies. We primarily show films at film festivals, but again, it is expensive to travel to participate in various film festivals. It is a slow process to gain recognition by the film critics and to gain an audience for your films.”
The Story of Zihuatanejo – The “Place of dirty women”
This documentary film is in Spanish with English subtitles. It tells the history of the tropical beach town and the problems that it faces today. The film uses local people to tell the history of the land – both good and bad.
During the pre-Hispanic period, the area was inhabited by a tribe of women. Even the name “Cihuatlán” means “place of women.” The women used to paint their faces with clay. They covered themselves with it. As the story goes, when the first Spanish vessels arrived, they called them “the neja women” because they were covered with mud. “Place of dirty women” – that is how Zihuatanejo got its name.
The “Place of dirty women” is not about filthiness – it is about the soul. The women of the coast bring a lot to the culture here. They are the pillar, they are the force, the energy, they are the palm trees, they do not break when the hurricane comes. The women carry the water; they carry the wind; they carry offerings to Mother Earth. So that is what “Cihuatlán” is: Zihuatanejo, the place of feminine energy!
Currently this port is facing the challenge of prospering from tourism activity amidst latent problems such as pollution and the violence of organized crime. For several decades, in many ways, Guerrero has represented an escape to paradise. But behind the beautiful scenery lies a darker tale. In this context, we will explore the history of Zihuatanejo through some of its protagonists.
Preview & Purchase the Film Online
“Zihuatanejo” is now available for viewing online through Vimeo in Mexico and other countries. In the USA, you can purchase the film through Amazon Prime.
We invite you to preview the TRAILER of this wonderful documentary and to rent or purchase the film online.