Mariachi Gringo at the Hola Mexican Film Festival

Edward (Shawn Ashmore) finally lives his dream of being part of a band in ‘Mariachi Gringo’. 

From the 25th of October till the 4th of November the seventh Hola Mexican Film Festival was held in Sydney. Mariachi Gringo was one film among many chosen to represent daily life in Mexico and prevent prejudices. Many Australians finally said adios to clichés and hola to the real Mexico!

The film explores the journey of self-discovery of its central character. Thirty-year-old Edward (Shawn Ashmore) leads an unhappy and quite boring life in a sleepy American town. Still living with his blinkered, Christian parents and having just lost his job, his only pleasure is playing the guitar. When Edward meets Alberto (Fernando Beccaril), a former El Mariachi, in a local restaurant he is deeply moved by his performance. Magically allured by the Mexican music, Edward keeps returning to the restaurant and soon becomes very close with Alberto. The old man not only teaches Edward songs, but also confidence. However when Alberto suddenly suffers from a stroke, the young Gringo comes to a life changing decision: he leaves for Mexico to become a Mariachi.

Edward is different and does not seem to connect to his God fearing parents. Despite this, he has never had the courage to break away from them and find his own place in the world. His sessions with Alberto mark the start of this important development, taking him further away from his family’s views. During the film the shy, dependent small-town-boy comes into his own; being departed from his overbearing parents means Edward finally has the chance to manage his life on his own and grows with each new decision he makes.

Mariachi Gringo is especially a declaration of love for Mexican music. It is not only the sound of the songs but also the passion they are performed with and the lifestyle they represent that catches you unaware  Although only watching the stories of these people on the cinema screen, you feel as if they were unfolding right before you and a fire is sparked in ones soul. You will find it a deeply touching film.

The USA is often misrepresented as the country where dreams come true and everything is possible. This point of view seems to be supported by the flood of Mexicans trying to cross the shared border at all costs. Mariachi Gringo turns this opinion upside-down by showing that it is also possible for an American to find personal happiness and achieve their dreams in Mexico. This film finally gives the country of Mariachis its dignity back, picturing authentic Mexican life with all its negative but also positive aspects. So if you want to discover the real Mexico and be entertained by a touching story of realising an uncommon dream, make your way to the cinema.

To see the trailer of Mariachi Gringo click HERE.

For more information about the Hola Mexican Film

Festival 2012 as it moves to Adelaide and Perth click HERE. 

By Hannah Vogel