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“CCC: Cincuenta somos cine. Medio siglo creando historias” Presented at the 24th FICM

Katia Barragán

The book CCC: Cincuenta Somos cine. Medio siglo creando historias was presented as part of the 24th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM). The book was published by the Film Training Centre (CCC) to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

The presentation was attended by the director of the CCC, Dinorath Ramírez, along with several alumni: director and producer Jorge Ramírez Suárez; director, screenwriter, and producer Carlos Carrera; and director and commentator Juan Carlos Rulfo.

The event included a special screening of La mujer de Benjamín (1991), the debut feature film by director Carlos Carrera. During the presentation, the Cineteca Nacional was also recognized for its work in restoring the film, which is part of the 24th FICM program.

CCC director Dinorath Ramírez spoke about the institution’s 50-year trajectory and its contribution to the development of national film productions. She explained that the book was the result of extensive research, which allowed for an exploration of the school’s history from various perspectives. The goal was not merely to highlight the numerous awards the institution has received, but also to showcase the community that has formed around it. She noted that the book does not claim to be a definitive history of the CCC; rather, it offers a narrative that transcends a single account, bringing together a collective memory that is constantly in the making.

Concluding her remarks, she thanked everyone who contributed to the creation of the book, noting that it represents "countless hours of dreaming and building together." She also acknowledged the CCC community for their dedication and commitment to continuing the school’s ongoing history.

Following this, Jorge Ramírez Suárez shared some of his experiences from the making of *La mujer de Benjamín*, as well as memories from his time as a student at the CCC. He noted that he still holds a special affection for those years, primarily because of the people he had the opportunity to meet.

He also spoke about the differences between the school as it was when he studied there and the institution the CCC has since become, observing that the changes over time have been positive.

For his part, Carlos Carrera recalled his experience as a student, describing his training as a blend of formality and informality. He explained that he was able to attend the courses that sparked his interest and devote more time to what he truly enjoyed. He also highlighted that the work was largely collaborative—a dynamic that proved highly beneficial to him after graduation.

Juan Carlos Rulfo acknowledged the FICM for creating a space for the CCC within its programming. He also expressed his pride in the growing interest surrounding the rescue and preservation of cinematic memory.

Reflecting on the institution’s 50th anniversary, Rulfo remarked, “Back then, we weren’t fully aware of what was to come, but I do remember how difficult it was to get things done. To see now that it became a watershed moment in the history of Mexican cinema… I can hardly believe it. Time flies, which is why this book is so important.”

Toward the end of the presentation, Ramírez highlighted the CCC’s resilience and capacity for innovation, as well as the significance of the various programs the institution has developed throughout its history—notably the Ópera Prima program, with which the film La mujer de Benjamín is associated.

During the Q&A session, the participants’ perseverance and hard work within the CCC were recognized. Their contributions to the institution—as instructors and collaborators on various academic exercises and projects—were also highlighted.

Finally, the director invited the attendees to a toast to celebrate both the publication of the book and the restoration of the film.