Guillermo del Toro Celebrates Mexican Heritage at Sundance Film Festival
Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro brought a slice of Mexico to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, United States, on Monday, January 26th. The celebrated director captivated attendees with a lively celebration of his culture, complete with singing, tortilla-making, and taco preparation.
Dressed in all black, accented by a striking red scarf, del Toro performed “México Lindo y Querido” with a mariachi band. The song, famously sung by Golden Age of Mexican cinema actor Jorge Negrete in the 1952 film Siempre Tuya, resonated with the audience. He followed up with a spirited rendition of “Cielito Lindo,” dancing along to the music in front of a captivated crowd that included actor Elijah Wood, director Geeta Gandbhir, and producer Jamie Patricof.
A Hands-On Celebration
Videos quickly circulated online showing del Toro skillfully making tortillas from scratch. He was seen pressing masa (corn dough) and cooking them on a hot griddle. Guests were also treated to his taco-making skills, with one clip showing him preparing a simple yet delicious avocado taco, slicing the fruit and adding a sprinkle of salt before offering it to a delighted guest.
Netflix Honors ‘Cronos’
The festive event was reportedly hosted by Netflix in honor of the 4K restoration and screening of del Toro’s debut film, Cronos, at the festival. Cronos, originally released in 1994, was presented in Park City, Utah, using the original 35mm camera negative. This screening marked a significant moment, bringing the film back to life for a new generation of viewers.
Awards Season Momentum
Del Toro is currently enjoying a successful awards season run with his latest film, Frankenstein. The movie has garnered 11 BAFTA nominations and nine Academy Award nominations. While he was notably absent from the Best Director category at the Oscars, the film’s recognition underscores del Toro’s continued influence and artistry in the world of cinema. You can learn more about the awards season at The Academy Awards official website.
This vibrant display of Mexican culture at Sundance highlights Guillermo del Toro’s pride in his heritage and his ability to share it with the world, solidifying his position as a beloved and influential figure in filmmaking.
