Celebrating the Iconic Mexican Actress
The prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is set to present a film retrospective dedicated to the legendary Mexican actress, María Félix. Known as “La Doña,” Félix’s captivating presence in Mexican and international cinema will be highlighted through a series of films she starred in between 1942 and 1957, primarily with renowned Mexican directors such as Roberto Gavaldón and Emilio Fernández.
Who is María Félix?
Born in Álamos, Sonora, in 1914, María Félix became a central figure in Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema. Her powerful performances redefined femininity on screen, portraying strong and dominant women who defied societal norms of her time. Félix’s influence extended beyond the silver screen, as her relationships with notable figures like composer Agustín Lara and artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, along with sensationalist rumors in Mexican media, solidified her status as one of the most enchanting figures in Mexican and global cinema.
MoMA’s Film Retrospective
The MoMA film retrospective, organized by curator Dave Kehr and assistant Steve Macfarlane with the support of Daniela Michel, director of the International Film Festival of Morelia (FICM), and Chloe Roddick, FICM programmer, will feature films like “Doña Bárbara” (1943) by Fernando de Fuentes and “Enamorada” (1946) by Emilio Fernández. Additionally, international collaborations with Jean Renoir’s “French Cancan” (1954) will showcase Félix’s international success despite her refusal to learn English, turning down a role in Hollywood’s “Duelo al Sol,” and her disdain for the American film industry.
María Félix’s Accomplishments
Throughout her career, María Félix received three Ariel awards, Mexico’s highest film honor. Her first came in 1947 for “Enamorada,” where she portrayed Beatriz Peñafiel under Emilio Fernández’s direction. The second Ariel was awarded in 1949 for her role as Rosaura Salazar in “Río escondido,” also directed by Fernández, which won seven awards that year, including Best Actor for Carlos López Moctezuma.
Félix’s third Ariel came in 1951 for “Doña Diabla,” sharing the nomination with Dolores del Río and Libertad Lamarque, both prominent figures in Mexican acting. In 1986, she was bestowed the Ariel de Oro, an exclusive accolade for actors with unparalleled careers in Mexican cinema.
Previous MoMA Presentations on Mexican Cinema
MoMA has previously showcased films featuring María Félix, including “Enamorada” (1946) in 2015 and “La Diosa Arrodillada” (1947) in 2019. However, the upcoming retrospective from July 11 to 27 will be the first dedicated solely to the acclaimed Mexican actress.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is María Félix? María Félix was a prominent Mexican actress, known as “La Doña,” who played pivotal roles in shaping Mexican cinema during its Golden Age. Her powerful performances and off-screen relationships solidified her status as an iconic figure in Mexican and international cinema.
- What is the MoMA film retrospective about? The Museum of Modern Art in New York is presenting a retrospective of films starring María Félix, focusing on her work between 1942 and 1957, with an emphasis on collaborations with Mexican directors like Roberto Gavaldón and Emilio Fernández.
- Why is this retrospective significant? This retrospective highlights María Félix’s lasting impact on cinema, both in Mexico and internationally. It also celebrates her three Ariel awards and the Ariel de Oro, recognizing her unparalleled contributions to Mexican film.
