CINEART Spain: The Mexican Suitcase

The documentary tells the story of the recovery of 4,500 negatives taken by photographers Robert Capa, Gerda Taro, and David Seymour during the Spanish Civil War and how they were recovered in Mexico 70 years later.

Pragda is arriving at New York’s emblematic cinemas in one of our most ambitious undertakings yet, and we can’t wait for you to join us. With CINEART Spain, we’ll tour NYC’s most dynamic boroughs while showcasing one award-winning Spanish film and visiting a landmark film house every month. We aim to discover new Spanish film lovers by delivering terrific Spanish cinema to all corners of New York. Already an ardent Spanish film cineaste? Join us in exploring New York neighborhoods and iconic cinema institutions.

The fantastic multi space Casa Mezcal hosts CINEART Spain’s May screening of the documentary The Mexican Suitcase, directed by Trisha Ziff. Casa Mezcal integrates art, traditional Mexican food, and of course mezcal. Artists from all corners of the world are showcased, including writers and poets, the independent cinema, and international music.

La Valija Mexicana (The Mexican Suitcase)

• Directed by Trisha Ziff, Spain and Mexico, 2011, 86 minutes.
• In Spanish, English, and Catalan with English subtitles. View trailer.

The Mexican Suitcase tells the story of the recovery of 4,500 negatives taken by photographers Robert Capa, Gerda Taro, and David Seymour during the Spanish Civil War. The film follows the journey of these negatives to Mexico – images as exiles, recovered seventy years later. The Mexican Suitcase brings together three narratives: the suitcase, the exile story, and looks at how people in Spain today address their own past, 30 years after transition. The Mexican Suitcase addresses the power of memory and asks who owns our histories?

The film will be followed by a post-screening discussion with Sebastiaan Faber, Professor of Hispanic Studies at Oberlin College and Chair of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives (ALBA)'s Board of Governors.