On November 22nd the Los Angeles County Museum of Art presented two films by famed Mexican cinematographer Gaberiel Figueroa The Fugitive starring Henry Fonda and Dolores Del Rio and Two Mules for Sister Sarah starring Clint Eastwood.
He lived from (1907-1997) and became one of the most important cinematographers of the twentieth century. He worked in the Golden Age of Mexican film and worked with other renowned artists of his day including legendary muralist Diego Rivera.
Gaberiel Figueroa not only left his mark in Mexico; but he also worked with great directors in the United States such as John Ford, Luis Bunuel, and John Houston through his work he formed a new vision and identity of Mexico that resonated with international audiences. The exhibit includes over three hundred objects including stills, photography, and other relevant artist of the time.
Gaberiel Figueroa’s work and legacy is alive and well thanks in large part to the Los Angeles Museum of Art as they unveiled their exhibit, Gaberiel Figueroa Under the Mexican Sky, an exhibit dedicated to the life and work of this important Mexican cinematographer who was apart of the golden age of Mexican cinema.
On November twenty-second the Los Angeles Museum of Art showcased two of Gaberiel Figueroa’s films as a double feature The Fugitive staring Henry Fonda and Dolores Del Rio. Henry Fonda plays a fugitive priest on the run from a newly formed communist government; shot in black and white and the lighter fare Two Mules for Sister Sarah a western starring Clint Eastwood shot in technicolor.
Castro: Gaberiel Figueroa is recognized as one of the most important cinematographers of the twentieth century. He collaborated with celebrated artist of his day including Diego Rivera.
Castro: Hello This is Ana Rosa Castro reporting live from the Los Angeles Muesum County of Art; and I’m here reporting a piece on Gaberial Figueroa with lovely audience members for the record please tell me your name.
Interviewee: Olga Jorgonson
Castro: When did you hear about Gaberiel Figueroa and when did you become a fan?
Jorgonson: I’ve been watching his films for many years he was in my mom’s era so I’m very familiar with that and connecting that. I did not know him personally, but once I discovered who he was and what he had to offer to the film industry it really encouraged me to attend these films; and tonight’s film was absolutely beautiful also they have an exhibit in this building from the photographs from the 40’s and 50’s from the movie stars and the films that they took.
Castro; My next question is why do you think it’s important for the community to understand about Latin American culture and what it does for America?
Jorgonson: History needs to be shared world wide and unless we know about each others differences we will not be able to respect where we come from and appreciate each others way of thinking; so it is important to have a harmonius life in all world to understand the reasons why we believe what we believe. What our culture is how we identify with our culture so we now where the roots are so we know which way we are heading towards.
Castro: Now this is his last film screening would you recommend people visit his exhibit?
Jorgonson: Oh yes I just stepped in today to see one room and I told my girlfriend here Mary we have to spend the whole day to see what he had to offer back then. I think LACMA has given him a wonderful exhibit but you need the time really value to appreciate what he did for our culture, mexican culture and also American culture.
