WINNERS X-RAYS - 7º FICM
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Daniel González
Age: 29
Birthplace: Mexico City
Film: El Suicidio del tiempo (Pável González)
Award: Best Documentary Short Film
By: Clara Sánchez
Translated by: Carlos Garza
About El Suicidio del tiempo (Pável González):
The title: The title comes from Pavel's own writings. My intention was to offer a sort of tribute to several students who have given their life in various ways and also to the death of Veronica (the director's ex-girlfriend).
The Challenge: To clear up historical truth and put a stop to the defamation, so that this story is disseminated and hopefully reaches authorities who can clear up the case.
Motivation to tell this story: Pavel and I attended the same college and went to the same parties. What initially drew me to his case was the fact that his death ocurred a year after the death of my girlfriend Veronica.
Experience in Morelia: This was a first for me, I didn't have a clue as to what happens at a festival. It was very enjoyable, both the hospitality and the people. I would love to come back, it is a great space to see films and meet people.
Audience reaction in Morelia: My short was screened as part of a two hour program in which the films were screened from shortest to longest. What happened is that the program was so long that when it came time for the Q&A everyone was ready to leave.
What's next for the film: My school (CUEC) will submit it to other festivals.
In short:
What does this prize mean to you?
This is the second film I've submitted to Morelia. The first was about a printer from Tacámbaro. I made it because my mother is from Michoacán and it's normal to want to return to your home town. It had a lot of flaws, so I understood why it wasn't selected. In the case of El suicidio del tiempo I'm very glad the festival is willing to deal with this subject matter, even if afterwards people steer clear of it. Lourdes, Pavel's mother, is very used to people putting up smoke screens.
How long did it take you to empathize with your subjects?
Each case is different. For example, Adrián RamÃrez from the Mexican League for Human Rights was extremely disposed and very eloquent. So was Blanch Petriech, who clarified that he hadn't followed the case much, though he willingly told us what he knew and helped us to contact Rosario Ibarra and Bernardo Bátiz, who was very reluctant to give an interview. It was very difficult to track down Pavel's parents. It was fortunate because we had resigned to make the film without their participation, but someone helped us to contact them. Lourdes, Pavel's mother, questioned us as to why we wanted to make this film, and after that moment there was a lot of participation and support.
What was Lourdes's impression of the documentary?
When it was screened at UNAM she told us it was a relief and that all of Pavel's friends were like children to her. Lourdes is a great example of strength; she is a very resilient woman. There are people who can change your life, and she is one of them. After I met her, I asked myself what I possibly had to complain about if she is holding on with so much strength and character.
To find out more go to El Suicidio del tiempo (Pável González).
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