PRESS RELEASE

ZONE: Chelsea Center for the Arts is proud to present ZONEMA 2006 honoring Mexican independent cinema.  Over three days, we will show about thirty films—scheduled features, continuous screenings of shorts and displays of video art. 

In recent decades, Mexican directors such as Guillermo del Toro (Cronos, Pan’s Labytinth), Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama, Children of Men) and Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 Grams, Babel) have become international superstars.  In this exciting festival, we will be featuring González Iñárritu’s “Mexico,” his contribution to the anthology film 11’09”01.  But we are also shifting focus to examine the work of independent Mexican filmmakers, presenting many films in their United States premiere.  Highlights include Roberto Rochín´s Ulama, Carlos Armella and Pedro Gonzalez’s Toro Negro, Carlos Reygada’s (Japón) first short film Maxhumain, Rodrigo Pla’s El ojo en la nuca (with Gael Garcia Bernal), Enrique Arroyo´s short El otro sueño americano and Olallo Rubio´s Jodorowsky´s Interviews.  Reflecting ZONE’s indisciplinary mission, we will also present documentaries on artists Gabriel Orozco (by Fernanda Romandia) and Javier Marin (by Luis Rochin Naya).  Programs are curated by Jose Alvarez (chief curator) and distinguished artists Pilar Goutas, Silvana Agostini and Martin Delgado.

In conjunction with the screenings, ZONE will be presenting an exhibition of inks and digital prints by Pilar Goutas.  In addition, the gala opening night reception will feature a performance by Ximena Sariñana Rivera, a celebrated singer who has appeared in films, theater and television.

ZONEMA 2006 is made possible by the generous contribution of Row 26, with additional support by the International Morelia Film Festival, Estación Indianilla, Mantarraya Producciones, Codigo 06140, De mi Arte a Tu Arte, Esto es Tech Mex and the Mexican Cultural Institute of New York.

The festival opens with a gala reception, Thursday December 7, 6-10 pm . All-day screenings on Friday December 8, 2-10 pm and Saturday December 9, 12-10 pm.